# the morning lead

August

August 2023

THE MORNING LEAD

Development at 'white water rafting' site at stalemate as council 'in limbo'

A report by

Mairead Maguire

The space had previously been earmarked for a controversial white water rafting facility.

27.7k

Aug 21st 2023, 12:05 AM

THE MORNING LEAD

Lawyers for State wanted to use AIDS crisis to defend Ireland's ban on same-sex relationships

A report by

Lauren Boland

Decades-old files show the lengths the State went to in order to try to preserve its criminal ban on homosexuality in the 1980s.

27.8k

Aug 20th 2023, 12:05 AM

THE MORNING LEAD

Inside Ireland's culture war on gender: Why there's more debate on trans issues than ever before

A report by

Stephen McDermott

The Journal looks at why anti-trans narratives have landed in Ireland despite overwhelming acceptance of trans men and women by Irish people.

Not sure why you are hearing so much about trans issues right now? We have traced where the debates - and misinformation - have come from.

The investigation finds tropes - about cats and bathrooms - have found their way into Irish conversations, both online and in real life.

Meanwhile, many people are still catching up with the terminology around gender and the issues affecting transgender people, writes Stevie McDermott.

49.5k

Aug 19th 2023, 12:05 AM

THE MORNING LEAD

'Grave concern' for Ireland's national heritage sites as vandalism is on the rise

A report by

Jamie McCarron

Significant monuments that have been targeted this year include the Glendalough Deerstone and Tara’s Stone of Destiny.

Many sites have been targeted, including perhaps the country's most famous stone: the Lia Fáil at the Hill of Tara.

Illegal metal detecting, damage to stone structures and instances of graffiti are all increasing.

23.4k

Aug 18th 2023, 12:01 AM

THE MORNING LEAD

Public tell TDs 'enough is enough' as they say they won't renew TV licences amid RTÉ controversy

A report by

Stephen McDermott

Media Minister Catherine Martin has been contacted almost 100 times about TV licence since scandal broke in June.

40.9k

Aug 17th 2023, 12:05 AM

THE MORNING LEAD

Students told to pay year's rent of over €8,000 in two cash installments or risk losing tenancy

A report by

Muiris O'Cearbhaill

In the terms and conditions of the tenancy said the tenants must pay €8,340 in cash in two installments.

It is understood that the €41,700 rent bill was paid.

Minister Simon Harris said that the practice was made illegal and encouraged landlords to "obey the laws".

50.0k

Aug 16th 2023, 12:02 AM

THE MORNING LEAD

Dublin Zoo to add shelters to African animals' enclosure following inspection

A report by

Eimer McAuley

Overall, the National Parks and Wildlife Service found last year that animals in Dublin Zoo were very well cared for.

37.5k

Aug 15th 2023, 12:05 AM

THE MORNING LEAD

Apartment owners threatened with legal action if they don't pay €5,000 for fire safety works

A report by

Cormac Fitzgerald

The Broadmeadows apartment complex is one of thousands of boom-era developments with fire safety defects.

57.4k

Aug 14th 2023, 12:05 AM

THE MORNING LEAD

Dublin city crime: statistics indicate return to pre-pandemic incidence of assault

A report by

Muiris O'Cearbhaill

A series of serious assaults have made headlines in recent weeks, and official crime statistics are known to under-report the scale of the problem.

The Journal examined statistics on recorded crime in the Dublin Central North and South districts.

One crime expert said that the "dark figure" in crime statistics usually results in around 70% not being reported.

18.5k

Aug 13th 2023, 12:05 AM

THE MORNING LEAD

All Together Now to undertake 'full review' of disability access following criticism

A report by

Eoghan Dalton

Calls were made for a review of the festival’s accessibility after disabled people who bought tickets could not access the main arena.

Organisers are also facing questions over why they claimed to have partnered with the Irish Wheelchair Association for this year's event - the charity has denied any such involvement.

'I'm not looking to be chauffeured for the weekend but please don't make it that I'm struggling to get into the festival,' one attendee told reporter Eoghan Dalton.

The man has been offered a full refund having left Curraghmore without staying a night.

33.1k

Aug 12th 2023, 12:05 AM

THE MORNING LEAD

Student accommodation dash: Scarce rooms, few protections and potential scams

A report by

Muiris O'Cearbhaill

A warning from the CCPC is paired with a severe lack of affordable student accommodation in Ireland’s four largest student towns.

Gardaí have reported a 65% increase in accommodation scams in recent years.

A USI spokesperson described the lack of available accomodation as "absolutely insane".

20.6k

Aug 11th 2023, 12:02 AM

THE MORNING LEAD

'I wonder have I failed my family': Readers describe their struggles with mortgage repayments

A report by

Jane Matthews

We asked readers how higher mortgage interest rates are impacting them.

44.0k

Aug 10th 2023, 12:05 AM

THE MORNING LEAD

Behind the scenes at Accenture: Employees share their 'anger' after 890 layoffs announced

A report by

David MacRedmond

The resentment among some of the affected workers is obvious, especially since the company recorded a net profit of more than €‎6 billion last year.

A feeling of uncertainty has taken hold since the first round of layoffs was announced in March.

One staff member tells The Journal that there has been "little to no information from leadership".

A consultation process is set to begin in September but this has been descriobed as a “tick box exercise” by one source.

75.6k

Aug 9th 2023, 12:05 AM

THE MORNING LEAD

Explainer: Why is the far-right targeting Ireland's libraries?

A report by

Cormac Fitzgerald

In recent months a number of right wing and conspiracy theory fuelled groups have staged protests at numerous libraries. Why?

40.9k

Aug 8th 2023, 12:05 AM

THE MORNING LEAD

'Dublin is a different place': Inner city youth workers say pandemic still casts a long shadow

A report by

Mairead Maguire

To youth workers in the north inner city, the apparent rise in anti-social behaviour is no surprise.

47.9k

Aug 7th 2023, 12:01 AM

THE MORNING LEAD

Justice Committee asked to investigate blacklisted spyware company's presence in Ireland

A report by

Niall O'Connor

Barry Andrews has raised his concerns regarding the Intellexa group which has an office at a building on Foley Street in the capital.

19.1k

Aug 6th 2023, 12:05 AM

THE MORNING LEAD

'The baggies don't have a little health warning': Doctor warns coke strokes are on the rise

A report by

Jamie McCarron

Cocaine can cause sudden surges in blood pressure leading to a stroke in hours or even minutes.

"This year was the most I've ever seen, we had four cases in just one month."

The clinical lead of the Irish National Audit of Stroke says many people are unaware of the risks of cocaine.

It's particularly a problem in younger people, Dr Joe Harbison told reporter Jamie McCarron.

28.4k

Aug 5th 2023, 12:05 AM

THE MORNING LEAD

Iceland workers at Talbot St store enter fortieth day of occupation

A report by

Steven Fox

The occupation comes after the sudden closures of Iceland stores around the country.

15.5k

Aug 4th 2023, 12:10 AM

THE MORNING LEAD

'It's recognition for these children': Scan for remains due for Tipperary Mother and Baby Home

A report by

Eoghan Dalton

Sean Ross Abbey was among the most notorious homes in the State during its operation.

23.5k

Aug 4th 2023, 12:05 AM

THE MORNING LEAD

Nuclear threats, Northern Ireland and higher interest rates among top government concerns

A report by

Jane Matthews

Published annually since 2014, the National Risk Assessment report identifies the challenges facing Ireland in the coming years.

There were a number of new risks identified in this year's report, writes Jane Matthews.

These include concerns over a concentration in Ireland's enterprise mix, deglobalisation and food security.

22.0k

Aug 3rd 2023, 12:05 AM

THE MORNING LEAD

"Something has to change": Retained firefighters call for complete overhaul of service

A report by

Steven Fox

Firefighters across Ireland have been striking to try and resolve critical issues within the service

9.6k

Aug 3rd 2023, 12:05 AM

THE MORNING LEAD

BOI and AIB have made €1 billion this year. Is it time to revisit the decision to privatise them?

A report by

Paul O'Donoghue

The State has been an uneasy shareholder ever since the taxpayer-funded bailout during the financial crisis.

27.9k

Aug 1st 2023, 8:00 PM

THE MORNING LEAD

Nearly 500,000 people receive drinking water from 'at-risk' public supplies

A report by

Lauren Boland

The quality of drinking water in Ireland is very high overall but there are several issues for Uisce Éireann to address, says the EPA.

22.5k

Aug 1st 2023, 12:05 AM

July

July 2023

THE MORNING LEAD

Tenants say no alarms were heard during fire where floors 'filled with smoke' in Dublin

A report by

Muiris O'Cearbhaill

Tenants in Ballymun said as they reached the second floor, they were “blindfolded in a smokey room”.

32.9k

Jul 31st 2023, 12:05 AM

THE MORNING LEAD

No late night pubs and clubs for Christmas party season due to law delay, confirms Taoiseach

A report by

Christina Finn

It could be summer 2024 before licensing laws are extended, says Leo Varadkar.

31.2k

Jul 30th 2023, 12:05 AM

THE MORNING LEAD

‘God power’: Concern over State examining parental fitness as part of IVF scheme

A report by

Maria Delaney

Advocates say that a ‘very subjective’ assessment could lead to discrimination.

Many fear strict criteria will prevent them availing of the newly announced publicly-funded scheme

This includes an assessment of intended parents to determine the welfare of any potential child

Disabilities and health conditions likely to be examined in this process

16.8k

Jul 29th 2023, 12:05 AM

THE MORNING LEAD

'I never feel safe walking through the city': Your stories about crime in Dublin

A report by

TheJournal.ie team

We asked readers if they had ever seen or experienced violent crime in the city centre.

15.5k

Jul 28th 2023, 12:05 AM

THE MORNING LEAD

Most local authorities didn't collect any of the Derelict Sites Levy in 2022

A report by

Jamie McCarron

14 local authorities didn’t impose any levy on the owners of over 300 derelict sites across the country.

15.0k

Jul 27th 2023, 12:05 AM

THE MORNING LEAD

Varadkar says giving gardaí guns would only result in escalation of armed crimes

A report by

Christina Finn

The Taoiseach previously said he would be in favour of arming gardaí.

21.2k

100

Jul 26th 2023, 12:05 AM

THE MORNING LEAD

HSE warns measles outbreak could happen in Ireland amid faltering vaccine uptake

A report by

Valerie Flynn

There has been a significant increase in cases of measles in Europe in the first half of this year.

12.1k

Jul 25th 2023, 12:05 AM

THE MORNING LEAD

What impact will the European heatwave have on Irish supermarket shelves?

A report by

Diarmuid Pepper

‘When the soil becomes too hot, the plant isn’t going to grow, it’s actually going to die.’

35.1k

Jul 23rd 2023, 12:05 AM

THE MORNING LEAD

Horse Racing body closed down racing academy amid 'safety' concerns

A report by

Niall O'Connor

It is understood that the HRI moved in last weekend and shut down the centre with immediate effect – back channel efforts are underway to save the programme.

27.3k

Jul 22nd 2023, 12:05 AM

THE MORNING LEAD

Cork residents fail in 'class action' against landlord over anti-social activity by his tenants

A report by

Eoghan Dalton

A solicitor for the residents said the ruling means people “can no longer protect their anonymity” by complaining via their residents’ association.

43.7k

Jul 21st 2023, 12:05 AM

THE MORNING LEAD

From Stuttgart '88 to Sydney '23, the Irish die-hards ready to cheer the Girls in Green

A report by

Sinead O'Carroll

“So I made my little spreadsheet when the draw was announced and we got a ticket to every single permutation of a match that Ireland could be in, all the way to the final.”

Ireland take on Australia in the opening match at 11am Irish time.

Captain Katie McCabe has spoken of leaving a long-lasting legacy for women in football.

Sinéad O'Carroll speaks to fans who have travelled to Australia for Ireland's first ever Women's World Cup.

25.1k

Jul 20th 2023, 12:05 AM

THE MORNING LEAD

'Like opening an oven': Irish people in European heatwave recount 'unrelenting' heat

A report by

Lauren Boland

European countries have been hit over the last week by the Cerberus heatwave, with temperatures in the high 30s and 40s.

37.8k

127

Jul 19th 2023, 12:05 AM

THE MORNING LEAD

Hundreds of acres of vital urban nature lost to astroturf in Dublin

A report by

Niall Sargent

Habitat loss and microplastics pollution from explosion of pitches provoking serious concern during biodiversity crisis.

Noteworthy analysis of planning files and satellite images shows new pitches replacing green urban spaces and growing in size

Feeding areas for vulnerable Brent geese in north Dublin replaced

EPA warns of spread of microplastics from pitches into environment

35.2k

Jul 18th 2023, 12:05 AM

THE MORNING LEAD

Dee Forbes and Breda O'Keeffe among RTÉ execs who asked government for funds more than 50 times

A report by

Stephen McDermott

Analysis of lobbying returns shows dozens of pleas from RTÉ since 2017.

46.0k

Jul 17th 2023, 12:05 AM

THE MORNING LEAD

Ireland at risk of breaking carbon budget limit as emissions fell only 2% last year

A report by

Lauren Boland

Staying within the first carbon budget will require an “extremely challenging annual reduction” of 12.4% in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

26.1k

141

Updated

Jul 14th 2023, 2:34 PM

THE MORNING LEAD

Number of computers sent to Rehab Recycle resold instead of destroyed

A report by

Niall Sargent

Audit identified risk of data breach after devices sold on to third party who had access to warehouse.

This followed concerns raised by a member of staff at Rehab Recycle Tallaght through a protected disclosure, Noteworthy reports

The audit collated a “significant volume of evidence” to support the majority of the concerns raised

Rehab states that recommendations of the audit have been addressed

56.5k

Jul 10th 2023, 12:05 AM

THE MORNING LEAD

'The system is broken': Carlow toddler with scoliosis without therapy due to staffing crisis

A report by

Eimer McAuley

“There is no one for us to pick up the phone to,” Shannon’s mum said.

Mother-of-five Yvonne Proctor speaks to The Journal about her "fight with the system".

Her daughter Shannon was diagnosed with scoliosis after her parents noticed that she was holding her neck to one side.

The Proctor family feels that, despite the huge financial burden, they will now have to go private to get Shannon therapy services.

16.7k

Jul 5th 2023, 12:03 AM