SCANLAN Veronica From: SCANLAN Veronica Seat: 06 January 20%} 1?;46 To: Subject: Deveze same: inter-Depaz'tmentat Meeting 7.1.2010 From: my Sent: {56 January 2510 1?:29 To: gemia?emm natty-ray,- Cc: Mili?le?LI?i Pat Subject: Severe In?er~Depamnenta? Meeting 11.2610 {?omanic 2921101 Agenda for Severe W. .. Severe Weather Inter-?Departmental Meeting View ofthe deterioraiing weather condition?, we propose to cam-ene- a {uni?zer inter- Departmemal meeting at I 1.30 on Thursday 7 January in the ?rst ?oor conference room ofthe Department of Transport, Dublin 2. The provisional agenda for the rimming wi? he: i. Review offal-rent Situa?on weather report and forecast current transport situation impact on other sectors 0 schools - environment sector (homeless,water, refuse) emergency services (esp. health) it agriculture/mm] 7. Decisions on any further emergency reaponse to current situation. Pat Mangan Assistant Secretary (J January 2010 pi e\ v. »l f he c11 • lefel ir-r it mm fho o fit>\'t j a h a n - J o g j l V y c o m bnan tell ^ogrfvy com Page 2 of Victoria Palmer-Moore/Matthew Fletcher Powerscourt Tel: +44 207 250 1446 Email; victoria.palmermoore@powerscoyrtmedia.com MatthewiMtcher@ppwerscourtmedig).com Investor Relations: Oeclan Murphy Aer Lingus Tel; +353 1 888 2228 Email; investor.relations@aerllrigus.com Jonathan Neilan FD K Capital Source Tel: +353 1 863 3883 Email; jpnathan.nejlamgjtt.corn ..For low fares and great deals on hotels, car hire and travel insurance visit http://www.aerlingua.com tt»1t*tttftttttirtt«*«tt*rt«i»t«*ttt«*tttt«ttttttttt*tt*tt«t»tt«»»*t«trrtt*«*«*(t***t4*ttt««f«tii***ttt*»(tt*t aer Lingus Limited Registered in Ireland Company Number 9215 Registered Office at Dublin Airport, Dublin,Ireland. 100X Dublin-Dundalk 101 Dublin-Drogheda 109 Cavan-Dubhn 163 182 !% 139 - Dublin-Donors - Drogheda-Ardee • Droghed3-Togher - Dublin-Clogher f 73 - Drogheda Town Service Kill.j.: .in-Dubhn 1)1 P.! i s » l s T h u r s d a y 7 t h J a n u a r y 2010 Dublin Bus are operating a full service on Thursday 7th January. However there are a number of areas where conditions are still poor and curtailments are in place, these are listed below. Last Updated 08:05 Curtailments currently in place; 3 - terminating at Viscount Pub, Swords Road 7 - from City Centre to Cherrywood only 11/a/b - not serving Wadelai, terminating at DCU 13 - only using main roads, not serving Ikea, Sillogue, Poppintree and Coultry 13a - only using main roads, not serving Poppintree, Shangan and Ikea 14/a - from City Centre to Dundrum only 15 - to Spawell Roundabout only 16/a - not serving Santry/Beaumont terminating at Omni and going to Nutgrove Avenue mstead of Grange Road 17a - not serving Clonshaugh 18 - From Sandymount to Cherry Orchard Hospital 19/a - not serving Tolka Estate and terminating at Walkinstown Roundabout 20b - not serving terminus at Man/field 25 - not serving Dodsboro, Lucan 25a - from City Centre to Penny Hill Pub Outer Ring Road 27 - not serving Coolock/Darndale 27b - not serving Castletimon and Clonshaugh 29a - not serving Raheny and St. Annes 31/b - to Howth Station only 32/b - not serving Abbey Park 37 - not serving Blackhorse Avenue 38 - not serving Mulhuddart, Ballycoolin and Castleknock using Castlecurragh Road 40/a - using Mellowes Road and Fingias Road and terminating at 17a terminus 40d - not serving Blanchardstown Corporate Business Park, terminating at shops on main road at Tyrellstown Estate. 42 - not serving Seabury 42b - via Malahide Road to Blunder! Drive not serving Gracefield Road. H a r m o n s t o w n Road and fongfegee Road. 44 • from City Centre to Dundrum only 44b • to Blue Church in Kilternan only 45 to Bray Station only 46a from City Centre to Stiitorgan onty 47 from to Betannine Roundabout oniy 48a from City Centre to Dondrum onty 49 to Spaweli Roundabout only 50 - from City Centre to Watkinsotwn Roundabout 51bit: - from City Centre to Red Cow oniy 53 not serving East Watt Staying on main roads 54a to Betrothery via Wainsiort Road not using Fortfietd Road 56.!3 - from City Centre to Waikinsotwn Roundabout '65 - to Spaweit Roundabout onty 65b to Spawetl Roundabout only 66ft} not serving Lucan 66a - not serving Locan and Captains Hitt. terminating at Louisa Bridge 67ia - not serving Lucan 68 - from City Centre to Red Cow only 69 from City Centre to Red Cow onty 75 - from Don Leoghaire to Spawetl Roundabout ?6 to Battyi?ermot Church 77/3 - from City Centre to Watkinsotwn Roundabout 788 from City Centre to Cherry Orchard Hospitat only 79fa not serving Spiddat Park and Parkwest, terminating at Cherry Orchard Hospitat 83 - via Gtasanaon Road, Griffith Avenue and Mobhi Road 84 from City Centre to Bray Station onty 10" - not serving Seabury and Forest Road 114 - from Kiloroee to Station 1?26 -- oeing Fc-teea-luoh A?Jt?fitii? to 1" .wr-i??r-n - . 'r - terminating at Viscount fab. Swords Road " - from €it\ Centre to Chenywoud only II a. b - not sen mu WjJelai. terminalitiii at DC! * ! - iwf ser\ mu Ikea f C - not .--cr. am Shanuan .tikf Ikca 1 o . n,•,( ^cp mo I oik.i Co,tie 30k) - nut 361""ng terminus at 37b - not (?mastian 317 nut serving Ax-?emie not serving, Balb'molin Industrial Eatzu'e um; Rund 4le - not Saw-mg Bulhwolin Industrial Estate aging Road and not scrx'ing (En'pamte Business Park. tcrminzuing Cit mops ?cm 11min mad at ESmte, 42b - Via Road In Blunder: Drive not Serving Grace?eld. Road. Road and Tanglegee Rand. 4-4- - to Blue in Kilteman only 44b - 1'0 Blue": Church in Kine-man only 5.0 - not sen-mg Killinardcn Heights 5.. - starting ?'Qm N10ll0}3 in Clondalkm illage 5 lb-?c net serving Dutch VillagerWoodford 113mg Monasth Road 53. - not serving East Wall staying on main roads 5.4a- via Wainsfort Read not sen-ring Fm't?eld Road 56-13 not serving Ballymount and Kingswoud (.55 - to Blessington Roundabout not serving Tallaght Village or Eustace - not 1-;ch mg Tullaghi Village and Killinardw l-leights 450:1 not Sawing Captains Hill. and Lawn Village {.39 a not Serving St, Johns [imam 77-3 - terminating at Road :1 ma ?lmhlul Park x115 1 - not serving Adamstown, at Griffeen turning right and going to Superquinn Lucan 185 - from Bray to Nl 1 not serving Enniskerry and Shop River 220 - not serving Ballycoolin Industrial Estate using Ballycoolin Road 238 - using BalKcoolm Road 1 of 6 SCANLAN Veronica Current actions on weather Based on responses for a number of local authorities collated by the Office for Carlow • Have hired, through their plant hire contractor, these trucks also to treat black spots that would not ordinarily be on the grid • Have acquired bag salt (which is more expensive than the regular salt) in 20 kg bags and this has been 09 0 3-2010 Page 2 of6 Cork City 0 :ch gritting all main and City centre roads and footpaths daily; 0 Are salting roads every night: - Have a low supply of'solt. Wilt run into dif?culty it?the weather continues into the weekend Golway City Are gritting all main and city centre roads and pedestzianised area daily and effectively: Are mixing grit with sand to extend its use .s?Xre now concentrating on school. mos and higher less frequently used roads Are facilitating local issues eg. clearing roads in housing estates if there are funerals etc: highly visible and appreciated Have made stocks ot?grit available at cemeteries for car parking and related needs. Gnlway County 0 Are carrying out a comprehensive grittingx'salting campaign on County Roads; - meeting with the other emergencyr?welfare organizations at 2.30 today to discuss any possible deficiencies or unanticipated problems arising from the weather dif?culties; 0 Have 9 gritters and crews folltime salting the National Road network and heavily traf?cked Regional Routes. These crews are mobilized centrally {torn headquarters - Have more than '20 crews based in the local Engineering Areas grittng less traf?cked Regional and Local Routes. These are controlled locally and are more responsive to local dif?culties. 1* Have noti?ed the public via local radio that the Engineering Areas are available to den l. with issues like emergency access; a All outdoor staffare working exclusively on the weather related issues. dealing with emergency road repairs, watermain bursts; - Not supplying salt or grit to private individual but iftlley have a genuine emergency we encourage them to contact their local Area Office Kildare All resources out - manpower and plant: some concern about abitity to keep the manpower going given the fact that the same staff have been on response duty since the ?ooding effectively; Operating on a day to day basis okjust now for salt but a need for accurate loiormation on the salt situation to be assembled and coordinated nationally and to be conveyed accurately in the media; The weekend could be ominous for supplies: If grit is made available there are potential consequences pnootizing, competition for scarce resources oto; maybe local dissatisfaction needs to he handled carefully, Maybe use the army for hardship oases; isolated communities etc; {armors etc: Clear need for local eooromatioo to keep towns open and moving principally LA with local Garcia etc. L. t; i {ml-n {inter the. loci; :?tll?l?tatf agile, litre-ll lesion mos-al.22mm Ell-f? motor; or; gem. lltel; tfl?lttitiltl otter moose-transom ll soul. or: not: ass-loll}. ll??zi "d (noel of tin: hit? on: ate-ml; ex: eel .. lull. om moi: to cox- or some etiit?lltfiw' l'iifiili'lfi oi not; atone sod all: l3. illi?lil?jl ot?lt react. to the. pressure no and allot-v melt its the moon-tit: El?n?: it is good PR. ilo e-t?l?elttivemess; needs to be questiot'teal lull-"ltlle it may do little sjlz-n'nz-tge 1n natal local-4.. ll. can lion-e on ttiioetl airtime-tee The Hill? osettl will n-?lnle ill .: to liltjlelt Eliot the at out: in ll st 123511-12? our} belt} 4 or: a ll"; 5? 1" En l'l'lr': tent-an: all. go: on. lins- loo soil Elli-o? ri-nilet it: 213-134: Page 3 of6 hailinge, but it might be a source that has not been considered. Mayo urrenl Position: with supplies of salt: wiH have to buy lower quality at higher price to maintain suppiy; Are making grit available to 1093! communities and wiil extend this; I Set up an emergency number through CAMP to deal with hardship cases but there is Mixing more 5211! and grit: but lhis is Clearly iess effective; A need for greater coordination between different agencies to ensure e??ective response to needs: eg. HSE etc: 4 wheel drive vehicles necessary. a The critical} issue is SALT both the amount that is needed and concern about the budge-tam? impoez that will inevitably Foilow. Monaghan Salt stocks need to be sourced and. purchased contra?); by the Department of Tramporu?N RA and distributed to couneiis in proportion to the National Roads . We can spread grit on Regional and Loc a! Roads if necessary At present we are keeping the NRA informed of our situation but we are having probiems with reliability of supply and it is dear that Monaghan County Council wiil run out of salt at the weekend. North Tipperary They are seizing nationai and regiona! roads - priority Had to stop safting some regionat roads lack of stocks} {Are responding to speci?c hardship cases - 3.9. hospitai appointments etc. but oniy on requeat There is an urgent need for a nationai coordination of the sait issue rather than having each LA begging, queue jumping etc. O?'aiy Mixed messages getting onto AA roadwatch. Suggest authorised buiietin from each LA- prefby engineer responsibie for icemst. Who win carry insurance risk for farmers using grit on pubiie roads?? Le. - a ioose stone mirtng someone. Funding ml} be on more. Will 00'? eorer'.? Siigo Era:- ?og omioe geroirierrw is} .t-ri'razs'eiog of Moron]? more; masoreooneo mosh-LEE; zoo-5:33; of mammogram re rim? with norms Erie}; worker ?s?r'e ale-o {expend {o moons; Moeir fire ofahon duration and our budget; For more: moimenanee which compete with ai? other ioeal authority services re?ect this. "We hove. capacity in giant and 5131?!" to deal with ariraations iike who: we. have now but the igeoe 15' the avaiiab?i?ty oi?aoe materials. to sea}: and of ?nance, {Freeman}? {on} .mthor?ties muse balance {in appropriate rework-5e JgaroM eost. .?xn :?zeoraogjn?izoe shook} be determined e1: 3 .rmrirssnai and farm! maintainer; {raided maronjmgi}. um grim}; oa?Z-i mo nehooi and oeogie to xerox-imam 3o po 2; is} a: oo own-rm: 5:32? 3ij mailer}:an ease-no.4 gen e; erg. one?! hag-o If) Er! if? Page 4 of 6 in county like sligo dif?culty in sewing dispersed and sometimes isolated population. Public nor-rd to be managed. Only a cortain level of response possible. Need for local communities to help themselves with support from local authorities. South Dublin 0 All resources are currently deployed in gritting of roads on the: Council?s Grittng Schedule. 0 lftikm of tho Council?s are on the schedule. 0 Grilling takes place at 7.00 pm and 5.01.} am {subject to availability of salt and grit}. Council has 8 (entire fleet} on continuous use. I We are responding to Gardai and Dublin Bus and consulting with neighbouring authorities. a Daily press releases. 0 Weather warnings and ongoing information daily on the Council Website. a Traf?c Centre and live updates are available on the Web and SMS Traf?c. information also available. All schools advised to keep in touch with Council Website and Press Releases for wcatl?lcr forecasts and Council?s ongoing response. - Council mobilising outdoor staff to begin addressing cloaring ofioe and snow from footpaths. Waterford City Council Speci?c. actions undertaken would be similar to Doncgal but in an urban Context we've delivered supplies of gritting material to a number of suburban housing estates as the request ot?resident?s associations who?ve voluntarily spread the material. Westmeiith The main pressures on Westmoath County Council are the maintom?mcc ol'ootcr supplies and tho gottng of major roads. l'lic: main problem we have that bene?t from some level ol?notional coordination is the: supply of salt As i soc it. all local authorities giro badgcring the some 'cu- suppliers for salt and it is Impossible for the suppliers to identify the priority counties. Perhaps a small group lac ostablislicd at national ict'oi to yoortiinaic the debt orjv ofkilt bis-soil on real orioritios. ?lm. an easy lob imam- as own-mic thinks than? ritzy; .l?i fl pizoi'iis but Elia: mutant situation is not. rsgzill}: pita-3,134? 3.33;: grl'ioro: mirt?t?tllifs soiling; i .. .. ,ait anal with: tho. {ii-:3 is: oi. or. tailor-elitist? built. la} hit-l. t3iliil will, ?till Kiwis 1.11:. will .licroi?i Flood :2 i .- -. -.. r. i-ircnria r: :tizlia oil-:21 ah, nut? in?! moms Us"; splint snore. n?d tz-z. at. some pa: J?s-t: w.le torso-m to lost. one, ?$4.le {tom Ellis handily- mum}; .: What additional notions illuttld tin taken in a our will?, and by whom, to khf?il?? in ziiloiialing the an. situation? Carlow . Limiting factors at play here: 0 Amount of salt available 0 Number ot?staff available Number ot?tt?ucks 0 Civil tlefenee have been on standby in Carlow along with the ?re service for emergencies rather than spreading salt II Regarding the army it is important at a national. level to decide hat they could be used for and how quickly they could be mobilised? Galway City Water is a lTltijOl' problem: people running taps at night etc; this needs to be highlighted nationally; also the need for landlords to cheek presumes etc; they have engaged in a PR campaign locally and it is showing results. They are meeting with the HSE, Garcia etc. today. Louth On the way ahead. we need to get more salt into the country to maintain the national and regional routes. Monaghan l. h'lonaghan County Council is making salt and grit available to the public at the lt-lachinery Yard in Monaghan at present. From today that may be con?ned to grit as salt stocks are critical. We also have salt bins at various town locations. We are giving grit to farmers to spread on their lanes to facilitate milk collection and deliveries. The Department-N RA should ensure that and salt mines remain open through the weekend to ensure that salt supplies and produetion continue through the weekend. Salt supplies should be fast-tracked through customs Sligo Need for other public agencies also to help themselves. Eg local request from H558 to grit outside all their premises. HSE should have strategic plans to deal withn situations like this. Also local businesses. I remember when each shopowner used to clear the footpath outside their own premises. Should this not continue to happen. South Dublin 0 some dif?culties are. being proeuring 33ml now as well as salt grittiog materials are. getting sv'ery scarce and dif?cult to procure it is recommended that be given to some lumtetl f?Kll'Elt?thH. amt use. otbcaeh semi3131533713? ll amp-Hi1 Us! a tilt. t. aliisttlez?l :ltdl .- 3. i?tt?-?t Hitti's- life. 1'3 'n lk?lt. .il {twist-g2, {a :ss' M. latest; 1st {stunt-Lila; Natl L?lt. stilt)?; only. I- .s -- -er? - sicit}. lre gin-st! at} ?Sills; tesuttzeeft? . fl _.lt.lt.?tt< t.lt.} ts! stem of Hit: L?lt: ?s?s?azert?ortj (fits (lineal! {For attain tilts . .{its 3 ?x 3-: mummi?ed 3t: "Lil": .stlg 7 ?ltilr'; {it?ll} tax-.7 6.3L. nil will tat the: it gm hm. Kind regards. Denis Denis Twomey Of?ce for Local Amharin Management (OLAM) Locai Government Management Services Board 35?39 Ushers Quay, Dublin 8 Phone (01) 643 8400 Fax (01} 643 8401 Email: Page 6 of 6 SCANLAN Veronica Comments by Taoiaeach on Savers Weather The Taoiaeach and Ministers were briefed thia morning on the reaponae to the saver® weather situation. Th® Taoiaeach haa asked the Minister for the Environment, Hsritag® and Local Government to arrang® that hia Department will lead th® coordinated respona® through the National Emergency Respona® committee. Weather of thia severity and duration haa not been seen since 1963 in many parta of Ireland. The principal problem ia compacted ice. Significant thaw is not forecast by Met aireann for at laaat 6 or 7 day, and there la a riak of further snowfall in the west today and in the eaat and south from Sunday onwarda. aince th® weather deteriorated three weeks ago, local authori tlea have icbiIifed their »t a f f to '>" i i 1 ,i b I a to u s i i i t locally. ! Some local authorities have already made arrangements to make supplies of grit available to local communities. All local authorities are being asked to consider the scope for doing this where it is appropriate to local circumstances and does not compromise the gritting strategy for national roads. Local authorities have confirmed that they are utilising the arrangements set out in their local emergency plan to address emergencies, hardship and other difficulties being faced by local communities, particularly in rural areas. Such arrangements should include at least a daily review meeting/conference call of senior local authority, Garda and H3B officials. It goes without saying that people should be good neighbours during this continuing poor weather by visiting elderly and other housebound people and ensuring that they have adequate food and heating supplies. Motorists should avoid any unnecessary journeys and heed the RSA's advice on driving in the snow and ice. The Committee also reviewed the impact on sectors other than transport. It is a matter for individual Boards of Management to decide whether local weather conditions and other factors, such as road access, availability of school transport, etc warrant closure of a school in the interests of pupil and teacher health and safety. Local authorities and the Garda Siochana are asked to provide advice to Boards when requested to do so. Other services such as health, water supply etc., while affected by severe weather are coping well. Any local problems will be dealt with through the local co-ordination arrangements. The Taoiseach has asked the committee to meet daily until the severe weather abates, to address emerging issues and ensure whole of Government support for the local emergency response. Ta Roinn an Taoisigh meaite ar seirbhls phroifisiunta, eifeachtach agus chuirteiseach a sholathar dar gcustaimeiri go leir. Chun arnharc ar an chairt do Chustairaeirl, cliceail ar http-://www.taoiseach.gov.ie//Irish/index.asp?doclD=l?6 3 Is ie haghaidh an duine no an aonain ar seoladh do/di an t-eolas a seachadadh, agus d'fheadadh abhar faoi run agus/no abhar faoi phribhleid a bheith istigh leis. Ta cosc ar aon athbhreithnru, athsheachadadh, scaipeadh taisneise no aon ilsaid eiie den eolas seo ag aon aonain eile seachas an faighteolr beartaithe, na aon ghniotnh a thogail i dtuilleamai an eolais seo. Ma fuair tu seo de bharr earraide, teigh i dteagmhail leis an seoltoir agus series an t-Sbhar 6 do rfomhaire le do thoil. Is e polasai Roinn an Taoisigh cosc a chur ar abhar maslach a sheoladh, agus mas rud e anpAnann ru an hhfuij an r-Abhar isfiab leis an reachtaireachr seo i ' '-V it 1 . »• • >• ' '•_ ' r ' . ~ * . 11 .:. - : . • • • rJ sender l tiimed i Vo- 1 y icd also iv not /»i Hunch . a ov . : e gus SCAHLAM Veronlca Pram: SCANLAN Vermin 81m: 0? Jam 2010 18:30 To: Subject: FW: Circular RLR 212 :0 Importance: High sum Omar Important: Him Du: Countyij Manager, Flom 35. attached circular in relation to Winin- Maintomncn of roach. Regardt. Bronagh Tracy. R33 02 a! 2010 Mam? anagh Tracy Roads Divialon Department of Transport 51h Floor 44 Klidm Street Dublin 2 Further to our circular of January 2010, I now wish to advise you of the following decisions of the Emergency Response Committee, which met this morning:- 1. Salt Supplies The overaii supply of salt is inadequate, having regard to the forecast weather Therefore the stock of salt must be managed nationally so that the priority oi keeping national and other priority roads and public transport routes accessil: Consequently, the NRA has been asked to co-orciinate arrangements in rate! management of salt stocks across the country and you are asked to co?operate the decisions of the Authority in this regard. The NRA work througi established contacts in iocal authorities. 2. Local (Bo-ordination All local authorities are asked to maximise coordination in order to deal priorities and emergencies. in this regard the Defence Forces have equipment. which can be made availabie to locai authorities on request. 1 include the provision of helicopters. four wheel drive vehicles. drivers ant purpose personnel. Some iocal authorities have already made arrangements to make suppiit avaiiabie to iocai communities. locai authorities are asked to consider the doing this where it is appropriate to iocai circumstances and does not comprr gritting Strategy for national roads. Subsequent to the meeting this morning. it has been noted that some iocai a are aiready using hired tractors with time-spreaders attached to spread grit. which are riot their priority roos. Locai authorities may wish. to consider if to he so appropriate option on some of their rich. priority with hard packs-cl rep-pert Mitt ice} xii-here peopie to access secretes arid perimeter orificoities. ~roars since-retry. iioreeri 5-.ezatt8y hart-sport SCANLAN Veronica SCANLAN Veronica 07 January 2 0 1 0 18:44 From: Sent: To; Subject: FW: N E C C meeting 8,01.2010 Importance: High 2010,01.08 Agenda for Severe W... Minister for your information Veronica 7 January 2010 original Message Prom: XILLIAN Kay Sent: 07 January 2010 18.-38 To: ' sean_hoganaenviron. ia ' ' brian_broganaeducat ion. gov. ie ' ; 'andy.irvingaagriculture,gov.ia'; '3tephan,ha1lade fence,irlgov.i e'; * gerald. f lemingamet. i s 1 ,• ' j ohn . kennedy®taoiseach . gov. i a ' ; 'phi 1ip.hamellataoiaeach.gov.ie'; 'fergal_goodmanahealth.irlgov,ie'; •ross_hathawayahealth,irlgov.ie'; KEANEY Doreen,- MULLANEY Dominic ; « John , tierney-idublincity. ia ' ,• ' michael. phil 1 ipsadublincity. ie 1 ; ' drawoodsa just ice . ie •; FITZPATRICK Sean,- RYAN Caroline,- • pmaheranra . ie ' Cc : MANGAN Pat/ ' aokee f f ealgmsb . ie * ; 3CANLAN Veronica,- O'MAHONY Tom Subject: NECC meeting 8.01,20X0 Please find attached on behalf of Sean Hogan, DEHLG and Pat Mangan, D.Transport the agenda for next inter-Departmental meeting of the severe emergency inter-Departmental which ia taking place on Fri 3/1 at 11,30am in Agriculture House. Regards and Thanks Kay Killian Severe Wt 8 January 2010 (5> 11.30 hrs NECC, Agriculture & Working Forecast 4 Extending the Response beyond National Primary Routes? a. Gritting of iced roads b. Foothpaths c. Engaging Community/ Business Sector d. Defence Forces 5 Public Information 6 Safety Messages 7 Recap of Decisions 8 AoB Page I of 2 Road conditions in the east of the country continue to be very icy this morning. The vast majority of commuter services in the east of the country into Dublin are currently operating this morning with some delays. Local services operating on secondary roads are expected to be disrupted. The majority of services in the rest of the country are operating with delays in some areas. The following services are cancelled at the moment: Dublin-Waterford 10.30. The rest of Dublin-Watefford and Dublin-Rosslart services are operating as normal with some delays. 102 Ardcath-Oublin 118 m e a n - D u b l i n 163 Drogheda/Donore 139 Drogheda/Grangebellew 190 Drogheda/Laytown Fhere is a limited service on the 173 Orogheda Town Service {North and SouthK fhere ;s disruption and delays to some services -n Cork county Tba 246. 247 248 services Page 2 of 2 :l and there are dlversions on the 230 and 234 servlces, so delays and disruption to a small number of services in West Clare. will continue to monitor this situation closely and we would advise customers eir local travel office for information on services or visit Lannie, would like to apologise to customers for any inconvenience caused. on on Dublin Bus services, please visit For information on please visit would like to apologise to customers for any inconvenience caused. on a and PR 9 $9601 n@.bus.eireann.ie Page I of 2 SCANLAN Veronica From: SCANLAN Veronica Sent: 08 January 2010 11:54 Subject: FW: 8th Jan update - Driving Tests Minister for your information Veronica Original Message From! Noel Brett [mailto:Noel8rett@rea.iel Sent! 08 January 2010 08:50 Tot MULLEN Maurice Cci seanfltzparticksjtransport.ie; SCANLAN Veronica; Declan Naughton Subject: FW: 8th Jan update - Driving Tests Maurice In case you get any queries we are into our third week of disruption to driving tests Please find attached the update for driving tests today 3 t h January - this will be updated during the day on www.drlvlngtest.ie . Thankfully we installed new technology In late 2009 and we can now text customers directly. Text messages have been sent to people where tests are definitely called off for tomorrow (i.e. red on the attached spreadsheet). We are dealing with huge volumes of calls but overall are managing to deal with customer queries. All of these cancelled tests will add to the waiting time in the short term. Once the adverse weather clears we will be prioritising the longest waits and will be this back to normal as quickly as possible. Please let me know if you require additional information Regards Noel Brett P211 be of 2 SCANLAN Veronica From: Sent: To: Subject: oa January 2010 IRISH SCANLAN Veronica January 2010 18:0$ FW: RTE.ie News Update • LIVE - Weather 4 transport updates 17:48 NEWS 1. Warning to avoid unnecessary journeys 3. All schools to closs until Thursday 3. P3NI officer hurt in car bomb attack 4. Man charged in Garda road death case 5. Aer Lingua to make cuts at Gatwick base 6. St Vincent's Hospital hit by vomiting bug 7. Robinson financial affairs under scrutiny a. Gardai rule out arson in cathedral fire probe 9. Number on Live Register up by 3,300 10. Waterford Crystal gallery to close IRELAND'S WEATHER & BUSINESS NEWS INTERNATIONAL NEWS 1, 2. J. 4, 5. UK firms told to preserve gas supplies Portugal MPs approve gay marriage Christmas Day bomb suspect due in court Death sentences in Burma over document leak Israel says no more concessions for prisoner ISI3H NEWS ;.warning to avoid unnecessary journeys Motorists are again being warned to avoid any unnecessary journeys because f the cold •-•a? her. il'.'B Travel * Weather updates hist of « :h ;c. cl&sures AA Road«.snch Dublin Su.-i ; Sus sirejun Airports j net £ I re inn a i i :5 jfaty Authoriry iti/inj »iv i i Ph.- -i n . n n ur, J the oruntry - y : ph rt; s ite . e«i j .-> I Ivt •»<» i 'hit , •-•» i-tr-.'i ; u it) reef ri :te I. Rc»-is i :y r. ,t i^rr* i ia is •s-'Ut lt.jies j it p-i i ' : • I o.-ernignc an J Met Si re inn i i yH • n.e severe ve it her : ul I ".n r f -r if. . "Iter iaya. Another spell :i : yrt^erer in f •!•;«••«?• t r iuil.uj i'iti I I> ,n » M . r..l ly tirh t i l l s .t " ;w • > l ••» uxpa - ' e l . r h e t e is e t rt I r i / 1 (i i • i. it" i-fh* ~ r/ be »•/«» j te 11 f f i u I r - • j »y h J • i l » ; ir .-j 1 start using a mixture of sand and sale to grit roads in a bid to preserve supplies that are running low. The majority of Bus Birearm services in the east are operating with some delays, while some local services operating on secondary roads are disrupted. The majority of services in Che rest of the country are operating with delays in a few areas. Dublin Bus is running a full service today but there are curtailments on some routes, Dublin Airport is open but a number of flights have been cancelled, AA Roadwatch says there are no major delays or cancellations at Cork or shannon Airports, Passengers are advised to check relevant websites before travelling. Pedestrians are also being warned to be extra careful as footpaths in many parts of the country remain untreated. school closures Many schools will remain closed today because of the weather. The Irish Primary Principals' Network estimates, based on research conducted yesterday, that about 2,500 of the 3,200 primary schools in the country will be closed again today. That amounts to mors than 75% of the total number of schools, IPPN spokesperson Larry Flanagan says this is a conservative estimate. The IPPN says more than half of post-primary scho ols remained open yesterday. Continuing adverse conditions mean that school closures could continue into next week. The Dublin Institute of Technology said it has postponed all exams that were due to take place on Monday because of the bad weather. A. spokesperson for the college said the decision had been made because of the uncertainty surrounding the availability of public transport and because an increasing number of students were contacting them expressing concern about their ability to get to exam centres. The rest of the exam schedule is due to proceed as planned but DIT will review the timetable on Monday. The postponed exams will be rescheduled for a date at the end of current exam sequence. 10,000 students attend DIT colleges around Dublin making it one of the largest third-level institutions in Ireland, The Irish Blood Transfusion Service has meanwhile warned that it may not be able to continue to meet hospital demand for blood because the weather ha s hit attendance at blood donation clinics, A number of special clinics will be set up this weekend in a bid to replenish supplies. Operations Director Paddy Bowler said that the sustained shortfall in collection has reduced supply to five days of o positive and just three days of o negative. Limerick Water supplies Water collection points have been set up at various points around Limerick city for anyone whose supply has been affected by the freezing weather conditions. Some properties are continuing to experience low water pressure or in some cases a full interruption to supply. Some service pipes are still frozen and Limerick City council say the city may have to wait for a rise in temperatures before there is a resumption of normal supply. In a statement the Council said it was supplying a rotating hydrant standpipe operator to provide water to people who wish to collect it in containers. It is warning that the water will still need to be boiled before us e as a precaution. Carlow to request Army assistance Carlow county Council is set to formally contact the Defence Forces to get help with transportation. In addition to normal salting and gritting with lorries. Director of Services for Transportation with Carlow county Council Dan Mclnerney said the council has acquired 'a number of small fertiliser spreader units' to spread salt and grit from the back of pick-ups, in some cases 'using unsalted grit on secondary roads to preserve stocks of salt'. They have mobilised both the civil defence and the fire service, which are helping out with four-wheel drive vehicles to provide back-up for ambulance services and help to deliver medical attention. Salt shipment Workers at Foyn.es port have begun handling a 4,000 tonne salt cargo on board the MV Jumbo chat arrived from Tees Port in the northeast of England overnight. The shipment, which arrived at the shannon Estuary at 3am, was due to be handled at Limerick Port at m A'/Di: Trelir.T: ;rit supplies run l.-w .is ; o r • iyu 3".; . rt e . : e • iv - < > i ; Uew-; ,;ne ; ?resh snow : i i s In r he - try tdee^es r private ri :- r s o: r p : , • .lynao http: //dynamic,rte.ie/av/267 3681.smil One News: Temperatures plummet to -20C in Britain http : / /dynamic . rte . ie/av/267cj781, smil One News; Freezing temperatures affecting rest of Europe http://dynamic.rte,ie/av/2 67 as a 5.smi1 2,All schools to close until Thursday All national and secondary schools are to remain closed until Thursday 14 January, Minister for Education Batt O'Keete announced this afternoon. The decision was taken following a review of the weekend weather forecast at a meeting of the Government's Emergency Response Committee, The Minister accepts that the closures will cause inconvenience but said the safety of student, teachers and parents was more important. The decision comes amid growing fears among school principals and boards of management about the impact of further severe weather on school communities. It will be widely welcomed by them, schools have been telling RT§ News of strong health and safety concerns, centred on footpaths and roads in their wider areas. » decision on whether Ireland's 4,ooo schools will remain closed or re-opened later next week will be made following a review by the Committee at a meeting on Tuesday. 3.PSNI officer hurt in car bomb attack Dissident republicans have been blamed for a car bomb attack in Northern Ireland in which a Catholic police officer was critically injured. The 33-year-old married constable was undergoing emergency surgery in hospital after the device detonated under his vehicle in Co Antrim as he drove to work early this morning. The Irish speaking officer, who is a Gaelic games enthusiast, was on his way to work in west Belfast when the bomb went off at around 6.30am about half a mile from his home in Mi 11town Road, near Randalstown. Appealing for anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area last night to come forward, Detective Chief Superintendent Derek Williamson branded the attackers 'faceless cowardly thugs'. 'They skulked under the cover of darkness to try and kill or injure this officer, * he said. 'It's too early to know exactly who was responsible but it's likely to have been dissident republ icans.' The car bomb went off just miles from Antrim town, where two British soldiers were murdered outside the Massereene barracks by the Real IRA last March. Putting his current personal problems to one side, Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson joined Deputy First Minister Martin McGuiness to condemn the attack. Democratic Unionist Party leader Mr Robinson said: 'This is a cowardly, evil act against a man committed to defending the free society we all enjoy. 'I have said in the past that those who perpetrate such attacks will not succeed in returning Northern Ireland to the dark days of the past. I remain steadfastly committed to upholding that promise. There is only one path forward - that of peace and democracy.' Sinn Fein representative Mr McGuinness added: 'The man injured today in this attack contributes positively to the community. 'He is an active member of the Gftft and an Irish speaker. He serves the community as a mernoer of the P3MI . 'The peopIe who carried out this attack make no contribution. These actions serve no purpose and will not further any cause. 'My thoughts are with the injured man and his family. I oray he makes a full recovery. ' The Taoiseach, 3rd an fnwon. als" hit '.15 t :ures. ' ; in c 1 i 3 *. hep: oyn c\: c , a . e r; ii 1-j ;c Oil i a. >c/-vi ieitn -.'.is-: 1 .7 rc. J j ; * i; C i L (•; J 'V • • ') I 1 : j lr:vc: ! - r c : n J Garda Gary McLoughlin last month, Garda MoLoughlin died at Lisfannon, Burt, Co Donegal, on 13 December 2009. Martin McDermott of Castlegrove, Raphes, Co Donegal, was charged with the offence at Letterkenny District court today. He 'was arrested at the court this morning by Sgt Martin Egan of Buncrana Garda Station. Sgt Egan told the court that Mr McDermott made no reply when charged. He was remanded in custody to appear at Harristown Court on 16 January. 5, Aer Lingus to make cuts at Gatwick base Aer Lingus has confirmed that it will make cuts at its London Gatwick base as a result of weak consumer demand for air travel. In a trading up-date, Aer Lingus said it would cut the number of planes it has at Gatwick from five to three from the end of March. The three planes will continue to operate three existing routes to Dublin, Knock and Malaga as well as a new route to Cork. The airline also said that it expects to report a small trading profit - excluding once-off costs - for the second half of 2009. Aer Lingus said this was due to cost cuts and capacity changes implemented during the year, as well as higher than expected average fares. It is currently negotiating with staff on a restructuring plan to save €9?m a year The airline removed some of its long-haul services in September and also cancelled some routes in November. It said that demand for air travel will remain weak for the first half of 2010. 6.st Vincent's Hospital hit by vomiting bug An outbreak of Norovirus commonly referred to as 'Winter Vomiting Bug' is currently affecting 34 patients spread over 10 wards at St Vincent's University Hospital and 27 staff members. To help curtail the spread of the virus within the hospital, St Vincent's is appealing to the public to attend the Emergency Department only if necessary, not to visit patients unless it is absolutely essential, not to enter affected wards, and not to bring children to the hospital. Members of the public who have symptoms such as 'upset stomach' should not attend the hospital, but contact their GP in the first instance if they have serious concerns. Bill Maher, Director of Operations at St Vincent's University Hospital, stated, 'We are taking all appropriate steps to combat the spread of this infection and these visiting restrictions are essential for the health and safety of patients, visitors and staff. 'The virus appears to be coming in from community and we know from past experie nee that without the cooperation of the public this virus can spread very quickly throughout the hospital, causing discomfort to patients and further disrupting services. 'Prospective visitors should not undertake potentially futile journeys, particularly in these weather conditions.' 7.Robinson financial affairs under scrutiny A BBC programme last night made a number of serious allegations about Iris Robinson, the Westminster and Stormont Assembly politician and wife of Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson. Among the claims was that Mrs Robinson got 650,000 from two Belfast property developers and crave the money to a then 19-year-old man. Kirk arned from Spotlight for the first time some alleged aspects of my wife's affair and her financial arrangements, I will be resolutely defending attacks on my character and contesting any allegations of wrongdoing, 'To that end, I will be addressing the media today after I have taken legal advice.* Sinn Fein Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has reacted saying: 'I was shocked at the financial revelations made in last night'a Spotlight programme. 'I have sought an urgent meeting with the First Minister to discuss the implications for the office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister,* Speaking on RTfi's Morning Ireland, SDLP leader Mark Dutkan said the position of Peter Robinson as First Minister was questionable. He also believed that Iris Robinson should resign from her public offices because of the nature of the issues raised in the programme. Ulster Unionist Party leader Reg Empey said It was clear Iris Robinson's continuing position as an MP, H LA and Councillor was utterly untenable. He said she should resign ail her positions with immediate effect. Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams said that he is •very, very sympathetic to the plight that the Robinson family have found themselves in'. He -went on to say that there 'may be consequences' to the offices of the first and deputy ministers. Speaking on RTfi's Mews At One, Mr Adams said: 'Martin McGuinness has asked a departmental solicitor for a legal opinion.' Mr Adams confirmed that Sinn F4in has temporarily postponed the Ard Comhairle meeting due to take place tomorrow because he said serious matters are on the agenda and the bad weather meant that full attendance could not be guaranteed. AUDIO: Morning Ireland: Mark Durkan, SDLP leader, says Iris Robinson should resign from her public offices because of the nature of the issues raised in the BBC Spotlight programme - http://dynamic.rte.ie/av/267354Q.smil Morning Ireland: Fionnuala O'Connor, The Irish Times, says Iris Robinson is alleged to have got £50,o0o from two developers to help her young lover purchase a cafe http://dynamic.rte.ie/av/2678543.srail Morning Ireland: Tomraie Gorman, Northern Editor, reports that Peter Robinson is to respond to allegations made in the BBC's Spotlight programme last night http://dynamic.rte.ie/av/2678563.smil News At One.- Gerry Adams, President, Sinn Fein, says Peter Robinson's difficulties have become a distraction from the main issue of policing http://dynamic.rte.ie/av/2678745.smil VIDEO: One Mews: Michael Fisher reports on allegations made by a man that Iris Robinson had an affair with - http://dynamic.rte.le/av/2 6 78 7 8 3.smil One News: Tommie Gorman, Northern Editor, reports that NI's First Minister Peter Robinson has said he completely rejects allegations made in a BBC programme http://dynamic.rte.ie/av/26786 90.srail S.Garda! rule out arson in cathedral fire probe Garda1 in Longford say that a forensic examination of the burnt out remains of St Mel's Cathedral have now been cornelsted and they are satisfied that there are no s .-:!•• v l • .- - r >o - l :o ii.u t • n . . 1 • r it - ••/;- ) " --h -v," ,iy •' •. :. 1 . tJ v ~ i - ** " , o i' ' . i* - : • - ' " . • 1 .. . ' .: t: . S • I . - •• - from ichedra; Purnce r .000 0 „. i ve 5ijis r sr Statistics Office show that the number's signing on last month stood at almost 427,000 - http://dynamic,rte.ie/av/2673698.smil lO.Waterfcrd Crystal gallery to close The waterford Crystal gallery is to close to the public next month. Workers at the visitor centre received letters this morning telling them that their employment would cease on 5 February. Up to 20 workers at the gallery were on three - month fixed contracts and it is now thought that this announcement ends these contracts ahead of time. It was announced earlier this week chat the manufacturing plant at Rilbarry is to be sold. IRELAND'S Nationwide WEATHER - Tonight Very cold, frosty this evening and tonight with widespread icy surfaces and some freezing fog. Some hail, sleet and snow at times in parts of the northwest and west this evening, w i l l move down the Atlantic seaboard tonight, but should clear later. A few light hail or snow showers are possible on eastern coasts also. Temperature lows ranging from -io to 0 Celsius (14 to 32 Fahrenheit) Nationwide - Tomorrow very cold and frosty with ice and fog persisting in places. Mostly dry and bright with sunny spells, but a few hail and snow showers may well push onto parts of the east coast at times. Temperature highs ranging from -3 to 3 Celsius (27 to 37 Fahrenheit) Business News On the currency markets, the euro traded at US$1.44, AUS$1.56, 133.14 yen and 90 pence sterling. The ISEQ Index figures at close were 3080.75, up 10.28. INTERNATIONAL NEWS 1.UK firms told to preserve gas supplies As the cold weather continues, in Britain nearly 100 firms were told t".o c_ui"n of f t.ii9ir :ias yesterday to help conserve supplies, The National Grid, which operates Britain' s Northern Ireland if they are unable to reopen amid the continuing cold spell. Thousands of homes across southern England remain without electricity af ter fallen trees and heavy snowfall affected power lines. Train routes across many parts of the country are disrupted by ice and snow, with rail operators First Great Western, Northern Rail, Virgin Trains, south West Trains and First Capital Connect among those announcing delays and cancellations to services. Eurostar said it would be running a restricted service today and over the weekend due no the severe weatherconditions, and asked passengers to cancel or postpone their trips where possible. Major airports such as Heathrow and Gatwick remain open, but delays and cancellations to flights continue with operators advising passengers to check with their airlines before travelling to the airport. VIDEO: One Mews: Brian O'Conneil, London Editor, reports that temperatures dropped to as low as -20C in parts of Scotland overnight - http://dynamic.rte.ie/av/26 78 78 2.srail 2,Portugal MPs approve gay marriage The Portuguese parliament has approved at first reading a bill to legalise gay marriage but rejected proposals to allow same-sex couples to adopt. The vote went mainly on party lines, with the left-wing majority backing the measure proposed by Prime Minister Jose 86-crates and the right-wing opposition voting against. It will now be reviewed in committee before coming back for a final vote in parliament. Mr Socrates said the aim was to remedy decades of injustice towards gays, recalling that as recently as 1982 homosexuality was a crime in Portugal. Parliament also defeated a demand backed by the right for a referendum following a petition which collected more than 90,000 signatures. 3.Christmas Day bomb suspect due in court The Nigerian man accused of trying to bomb a US airliner is to make his first court appearance today as President Barack obama ordered a sweeping overhaul of flawed intelligence. The arraignment in Detroit follows the grand jury indictment of Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, 23, on six counts - including attempted murder and trying to use a weapon of mass destruction aboard a us plane - arising from the botched al-Qaeda plot to blow up Northwest Airlines Plight 253 with 290 people aboard. Mr obama yesterday declared that 'the buck stops with me' over intelligence shortcomings that led to the thwarted attack, and he unveiled measures including strengthening US watchlists and boosting airport screening as part of broad orders to close us security gaps. Releasing two reports on the Christmas Day bomb attempt, President obama said spy agencies did not properly •connect and understand 1 disparate data that could have detected the plot as it was planned by an al-Qaeda affiliate i n Yemen. He said the investigations revealed that US analysts knew Mr Abdulmutailab was an extremist and knew al-Qaeda in Yemen was plotting an attack, but could not connect the two strands of intelligence. As critics charged that his administration has been too soft on terror and slow to act after the attack, Mr obama said the US was 'at war with al-Qaeda' but promised terrorists would not force ; m £3 / ;; ri a r r\ ,-p-. r a 1 e i rn ea n f~ a 1 i t s./ ' T m ! sea > n o r- o ar o r i n p a s; c j. p . , s h. 1 and called on other nations to do their part to safeguard their own citizens as well as us security, Ms Napolitano promised to speed up the deployment of 300 body imaging machines at airports and said the government would aggressively seek to develop new detection technology. More canine security teams will comb airports, and additional uniformed and undercover detection officers will be deployed, including more federal air marshals on planes. Mr obama 1 s Director of National intelligence Dennis Blair said in a letter to employees of the 16 US Intelligence agencies that he would push for a 'fresh and penetrating look at strengthening both human and technical performance' in the field. The Central Intelligence Agency said it planned to increase the number of analysts looking at Yemen and Africa. Mr Obama has faced a barrage of criticism since the attack. But in his speech, he attempted to address his critics. 'We are at war against al-Qaeda, a far-reaching network of violence and hatred that attacked us on 3/11, that killed nearly 3,000 'We will do innocent people, and that is plotting to strike us again, he said. whatever it takes to defeat them,' 4.Death sentences in Burma over document leak A court in military-ruled Burma, also known as Myanmar, passed death sentences on two people and sentenced another to 15 years in prison for leaking confidential documents. The offence concerned pictures and documents relating to overseas trips by senior officials, including one by a junta member to China and North Korea. China is among Myanmar's few diplomatic allies. According to some reports, North Korea has been helping Myanmar develop nuclear facilities. Northern Yangon District court sentenced retired Major Win Naing Kyaw and Foreign Ministry clerk Thura Kyaw to death under a wide-ranging security law, the Emergency Provision Act, the legal source told Reuters, declining to be identified by name. A civilian named as Byan Sein got 15 years in jail for offences under the Electronic Act, and the other two defendants were also given jail terms under the same law by the court, in a special session inside Insein central Prison in Yangon. This law bans the use o f the internet to send material deemed harmful to the country. The leaked photographs and documents included records of a visit to North Korea and China by General Thura Shwe Mann, the third most powerful figure in the regime. Pictures of Shwe Mann and his entourage visiting military facilities in North Korea and China were published on websites run by Burmese exiles in the middle of last year. The three defendants were arrested in July. The death penalty is rarely carried out in Myanmar, with sentences normally commuted to life imprisonment. 5.Israel says no more concessions for prisoner Israel will not make any more concessions to Hamas in negotiations for the exchange of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners for Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, captured by Gaza militants in 2006. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told his negotiator to make it clear Israel will not retreat from its position that some of the prisoners Hamas wants freed cannot be released, radio and several newspapers reported. He also insists some of the prisoners cannot be released In the occupied West Bank as this would jeopardise its security, public radio said. 'Netanyahu sent a clear signal to m a sS - Ulfl p v-.r*.a ^ 1 Cs r\ r K T a r s a l t r% 14 ^ rn a *>/ i ^ K» r^G ^ ri rrt« s f- •! c r, ir% 1 - Jet breaking news when you're on the move. Text SUB HEMS BREAK to 53 554. Click here -> h 11 p ://www . r r e . i e /-neb 11 e / sins . h to 1 for roe terma m d conditions. ooitto s .egu"; , he a a i J at ; :< » ?< a *lc to treit the r ids woull h *• s -> ce unige-J > t » f j I t y in i * '»S I t » to"-* i fr .1 r e It'll i . - u ri<*y ' > i " ' -1 " , -•»•* t I ».i ».-. ( • i 1. : • ! ' 'r 5 : 1L -y 4 1 i i • - 11 1 i ' 1 * i ; 1 I 1 - o,n .t ; uh out n .--a i 1 • 4 i4 Photos from around the country - yourphotosarte.ie Motorists are again being warned to exercise extreme caution and avoid unnecessary journeys. Roads are icy across the country as temperatures dipped to at least -X2C in places. With salt supplies running very low, local authorities have began using a mixture of sand and salt to treat roads. The National Roads Authority has said it will be conserving stocks of grit over the weekend, to ensure chat main roads can remain open next week. Met Eireann says the severe weather could last for at least another week. Dublin Bus says that subject to weather and road conditions it will be operating a full service on all corridors. However, curtailments are in place in some areas, and passengers are advised to check, the Dublin Bus website for updates. 2.Body of man found near Dublin Airport A man lias been found shot dead in Dublin. The man's body was discovered lying in a ditch at Dunbro Lane, at the back of Dublin airport. The discovery was made at around 2pm this afternoon. Gardai have launched a murder investigation and the area has been sealed off pending the arrival of a forensic team from Garda head-quarters. The scene is also being preserved and the state Pathologist's office has been, notified. It is believed the victim may be a man who was reported missing from his home in North Dublin two days ago. The father of two children had survived a previous attempt on his life. 3.Decision to close schools welcomed There has been a qualified welcome for the decision of Minister for Education Batt O'Keeffe to close primary and second-level schools on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. The Irish National Teachers' Organisation said the decision was sensible in the circumstances. The Irish Primary Principals' Network said it welcomed the fact that schools had been given direction. However concern has been expressed around schools where conditions in their area do not present a safety hazard. The Minister said he took the decision on health and safety grounds following a meeting of the Government's emergency planning group and in the context of a poor weather outlook. Acknowledging that there may be some schools that are in a position to open, the minister said that on balance this was the responsible and prudent approach. It is welcome news for the many school principals who had serious concerns around he a11 h and safety issues but it will prove a headache for many parents. It also raises once again the question as to who is actually responsible for schools. The Minister is not legally the employer in schools, Boards of Management are. There may now be concern in some quarters as to his right to make such an order. 4.Man dies in Kerry house fire A man has died in a fire at his home near Tralse, Co Kerry. The fire was discovered at midday at the house at church Road aiennerville around two miles west of Trales. Neighbours alerted the emergency services after seeing smoke coming from the man's home. The man, who was in his 60s, lived alone at the house. His body was taken to Kerry General Hospital in Tralee where a post-mortem examination will be conducted later. Ivin Rcbioson ousted from DUP sources with the party claim the leader believes his marriage may not even survive, never mind his political career. 6.injured PSNI officer in stable condition A policeman injured by a bomb in Co Antrim yesterday remains in a stable but critical condition in hospital. Dissident republicans are believed to have been responsible for the attack. The 33-year-old had just left his home outside Randalstcwn to start duty in west Belfast when the device exploded under his blue Alfa Romeo car around 6.30am. The constable is a Oaeilgoir and a GAA member. He was taken to Antrim hospital for emergency treatment before being transferred to the Royal Victoria in Belfast. PSNI chief Constable Matt Baggott said the policeman had been brutally targeted in a cowardly attack as he left his home to travel to work. In condemning the attack he said it would not deter the PSNI from providing a first class impartial police service. He said the vast majority of people had been horrified. The Ulster Council of the GAA said it was dismayed to learn of the attack on a member of the PSNI. The officer is an active member of the GAA and the a ssociation extended best wishes to him for a full and speedy recovery. The council's president, Tom Daly, said it was a matter of huge regret to see a young man who contributes so positively to his community attacked in this way. The attack is detrimental to the development of a shared future based on mutual respect including respect for life, he said. Mr Daly said the GAA had a long standing and publicly stated policy of opposition to violence. 7.Youth arrested after cocaine seizure A youth has been arrested after cocaine with an estimated street value of BUR60,000 was seized. The youth was stopped by gardai on the Chapelizod Hill Road at 8.3 0pm last night. A quantity of cocaine was seized and a further quantity of the drug was found in a follow-up operation at a house. 8,Sinn Fein Cllr resigns from party Sinn Pfim Councillor Killian Forde has resigned from the party. The Dublin chairperson of Sinn Fein, Eoin 6 Broin, described the resignation as a disappointment, and called on him to also resign his seat to allow the co-option of a new Sinn Fein councillor for the Donaghmede ward. Mr Forde is the third Sinn Fein elected member to Dublin City Council to resign from the party and to continue as councillor. Sinn FSin's representation on the city council has now been cut from seven to four councillors within six months of the last local elections. IRELAND 1 S Nationwide WEATHER - Tonight j ice will continue to 1,Two Togo soccer delegates killed Two members of Togo's national soccer delegation died following an ambush on the team bus as it travelled tO t b 5 A £ t~ i C an Nations Cup in Angola, and their team appeared set to quit the tournament. Friday's attack, in which the driver was also killed and seven others were injured, took place in the province of cabinda. It was claimed by the FLEC, a rebel group that has been fighting for secession sporadically for decades. Togolese officials named the dead men as media officer Stanislas Ocloo arid assistant coach Amalete Abalo, and said reserve goalkeeper Kodjovi Obilale had been evacuated to Johannesburg for medical treatment. Togolese soccer administrators met the players, and Togo's presidency said the federation would decide whether to quit the three-week tournament after returning to the capital Lome . But. Togo ' s c aptain Emmanuel Adebayor, who escaped the attack unharmed, was already flying home, according to his club Manchester City said. The attack, claimed by separatist rebels, came five months before South Africa hosts the World Cup, the first African nation to hold the world's biggest single sport event. 2.Man pleads not guilty to plane plot A Nigerian accused of trying to blow up a US plane on Christmas Day pleaded not guilty during his first court appearance amid heightened security. Umar farouk Abdulmutallab, aged 23, spoke softly from the dock Friday to confirm his name, how it was spelt and his age. His expression flat, his eyes averted from the gathered crowd, he said he understood the six charges against him. His court-appointed lawyer, Miriam Siefer, entered the plea of not guilty to all six charges, including attempted murder of 2 90 people on board the plane and trying to use a weapon of mass destruction. He faces life imprisonment if convicted. 'At this time our client would like to enter a plea of not guilty,' Siefer said, but added 'we have - with our client's consent - consented to detention. 1 Abdulmutallab, son of a prominent Nigerian banker, was arrested after the botched Al-Qaeda plot, in which explosives allegedly stitched into his underwear failed to detonate aboard a Northwest flight from Amsterdam to Detroit. He was badly burned when the device sparked a fire. Asked if he had taken any medication in the past 24 hours, he said 'Yes. Painkillers,' holding his left hip. It was not US intelligence that thwarted the attack, but passengers and crew, who tackled and restrained Abdulmutallab before he was escorted off the plane. 3.Three held over Heathrow bomb threat Three people arrested on a plane at Heathrow Airport last night are being held on suspicion of making a bomb threat. Reports said armed officers boarded the Dubaibound Emirates flight just before take off, after verbal threats were made and crew members alerted the police. Three men, aged 53, 4 8 and 36, were arrested and are being questioned. The incident comes amid heightened tension at airports across the world following rhe unsuccessful Christmas Day bombing attempt in Detroit in the US. 4.Germany braces for blizzard as Europe shivers airline easyJet cancelled 32 flights, largely to and from London Gatwick and Liverpool airports. British Airways cancelled around 60 departures from London Heathrow, while around 30 incoming flights were scrapped. On the roads, the AA motor vehicle breakdown service said it had dealt with 340,000 breakdowns since 17 December. In France, significant snowfalls caused major delays to train services and southern'areas experienced electricity cuts. With more snow forecast, aut horities asked airlines to cut a quarter of flights today at Paris*s main Charles de Gaulle airport. Meteo France posted weather warnings for 55 of metropolitan France's 94 departments on Saturday, warning snow and Ice may 'cause major transportation difficulties and severely disrupt activities'. In the southern city of Aries, some 15,000 people were left without electricity after power lines collapsed under the weight of snow. Around 30 centimetres fell In some parts of the southeast. In Norway, temperatures hit minus 42 degrees Celsius in the central village of Folldal. In Poland, nine people died in a 48-hour period, bringing the total weather-related deaths to 13 9 since the start of November, a police spokesman said. Most of the victims were homeless people. Meanwhile Switzerland's 24.5km Gotthard Tunnel, part of a strategic trans-European motorway that runs from Germany to Italy, was due to reopen to trucks following heavy snowfall. Get breaking news when you're on the move. Text SUB NEWS BREAK to 53 554. Click here -> http://www.rte.ie/mobile/sms.html for the terms and conditions. Update is a free daily service from RT6 bringing you the latest news from Ireland. For regular news updates throughout the day, check RTfi.ie News at http://www.rte.ie/news. If you experience any problems with this service, please email newsonlirieorte.ie. To subscribe or unsubscribe from Update please go to the email page on the RTfS 'website at http://www.rte,ie/emails/ SCANLAN Veronica From: SCANLAN Verenica Sent: 09 Janua 2010 18:16 To: Subject: NERCC Minister far your information. Veronica ?nominal Message-m- From: KELLIAN Kay Sat-It: ?39 January 2010 17:13 To: Emergencymanagementigemimme? Cc: MANGAN Pat; MULLANEY Demimc; Doreen Subject: NERCC Please ?nd attached note from Pat Mangan, Assisiant Secretary in relation to an issue watt! irish Raii waxing of diesel for NERCC information. 2010.01.091risn ran waxing on. Regards and Thanks Kay Kiliian HM): Scam Hogan Irish Rail am: experiencing, some problems with waxing ofdiesel on their rolling stock. because Oftl?l? prolongs-3d mid spell. It will r19! af?rm services today or Sunday but may impact Monday. Irish Rail management will meet (Sundajsr) at i lam to assess the pasition and take decisiuns. The liker response is to; run {aver using longer tra'insl so as to retain as much capacity as pessible. DART not affected. Pat h-Iangan Assistant Secretauy Department 0 Tramsan 1?2 SCANLAN Veronica Original Message Fromi McLindon Andrew «Andrew.Mctindonabuseirearm .ie» To: McLindon Andrew me delays. Some local service for the to condit is ope rating with delays lin is operating via 190 Laytown Drogheda service t on Ml i1 into restricted it to i3 cancelled. Given the snow forecast for today throughout the country, Bus Bireann will continue to •nonitor this situation closely and we would advise customers to contact their local travel office for information on individual services or visit www.biiseirgann.ie. 3ua .ilia inn would lite r. > ipolcj ise ~ o nnr:v~«er3 f>r my in : :nvenisn;:-> 'Vised. F .r , r n : i.n . o li-ii se r, v : _o* -) , o i i -j ™ o i i: www I , b i i nbu =f . i h t - p : aww . lub I i nbu . >. e • > " ' r . n £ : i -i • t i ,,n • n r i i i s a t v t a , p 1 •? »ie •/ ; i • .v ww . i n - f h r u l . i => . SCANLAN Veronica Original Message From: Mctindon Andrew sent: Sun Jan 10 09:50:51 2010 Subject: Bus Sireann Service Update 10th Jan 2010 9,50am Subje t to road and weather conditions, the vast majority of servic the east of the country are currently operating with some delays. the rest The majority of servic between Dublin-Limerick are service In Cork, 246 cork-sarsfield 206, 2 22 , and 22 3. Route 40 Cork-Tralea • i v = ri ' n 1 t - h e 1r - 1 »ve L -ju-.w c in j r e , t t i .-" . -. r : ; i c r--dv/ : r t . 3 «• I •/ cancelled. 11 irt-J vi ; *o i l ! 1 n i i v 1 Ju i i - -* r ' o : . h ; . . C . -i : • • the c o i n 1 ! v i is n r . f r t/y, lu;, "HC H -< , ..O > 1 - 1 • r .- ; i : - . ' < ': c C . C i v t n r i *o.> - , r, t 1 c r. v :. < 1 r ;U 3 c toe 1. 3 f .; r m y .-* r o V 233, Milistreet. j h o o " i ipol.;.gi.je •. o 1 . a services are Court Is cancelled. There are diversions on services 11 c ton i t 1. ul-i 1 i « ' s" . w r . 1 ;n t o : Bu 3 Citeann f tic is cancelled. is unable to serve : ' 1 » ; 1 * r. days . to 17.30 Dublin Airport-wicklow and Wicklow-Dublin Airport 190 Laytown-Drogheda •rating with are w ih i 1 I .-.ntir.ue " h-s i v 1 .: ; 1 1 t c •;; t :< Li; Kai From: SCANLAN Veronica Sent: 10 Januar 2 4 To; ETZPA TRICK Sean; Kay Suhiect: Update from Dick Foam Minister, Sean, Kay Pat Dick Fetam phoned me just now to advise that everything is very much in business with iarnrod Eireaon at the momen . The infrastructure is in good condition. The snow is not dogging up any tracks or tines for DART 8. it's working very wet! with no probiams. Re. waxing of diesel, they are monitoring the maintine trains ve carefuii ave thin is under con However, in order to reduce the risk of breakdown on the lines ghoro mega 0003:7103 frequentiy (at? StatitjveaS-lfoh?tnaen; 8. Waterford) they Writ reduce the number of services 3.9. Waterford train due to depart at 7.10am tomorrow with onty one stop in Clartow?writ not run but tho next train depart at 7.40am (out stopping at various places along the wa y; Barry Kenny is putting a notice out now ietting the pubtio know this. I Veronica . '10 January 2010 original Message----- From,- McLindon Andrew < Andrew , McLindonabuse i reann . is > Sent': sun Jan 10 17:42:21 2010 subject: Bus Eireann Service Update loth Jan 5.40pm Subje t to road and weather conditions, currently operating with some delays. re is disruption to Cork city and Cork t services the majority of services are to 18.20 Longford-Carlow-Waterford 7 3 19.20 s re ia also disruption to some services servic are to Services from Tralee to and from Cork, and Tralee to and from Limerick are for the rest of the evening. In Limerick, Limerick-Dublin is cancelled on Dublin-Limerick operated at 17.30 In the ease, 17.30 Dublin A i rpor t - W ick low are * w e a l led. 1>7 o-MOO*: tub 1 in 1? i •'• ia !>•) Ltyt.rvn-Dr; jheli aetvi cancelled for rest of the day. Last service of the day irai 17.30 W i :;k low - Dub 1 L n Airport u:; '"ill i is n:w cancelled. xarKug servi.-es In Clare, 19,15 Limerick to Kilkee and 19.55 Ennis to Doolin are cancelled. i Eireann will continue to monitor this situation closely and we would advise !comers to contact their local travel office for information on individual ss visit www,fauseireann.ie. nn would like to apologise to customers for any 'or information on Dublin Bus services, please visit www.dublinbus.i ;http://www.dublinbus.ie/> . For information on rail services, pleas »H ra ^ MDt Andrew McLindon Manager, Media and PR Bus fiireann Tel: 01 7 0 3 17 5 9 {d) Mobile: 037 283 9601 andrew.mc1indcn«buse i reann.ie s to be as helpful as possible in such cases. As I am sure you can appreciate it is not humanly possible for L A 1 s to grit every road. If any County Council, as distinct from individual councillors (usually fg lab or other) has criticised Govt about this they can be very firmly told that this is one of their most basic responsi1ities and they should discharge it fully. As they are now in a new financial year money is not an issue for them. I am asking Veronica to send a more general briefing note. Regards, Noel Dempsey. Original Message From : Mart in . Lone rgari'JOi reach tas . ie < Mart in, Lonergancsoireachtas . ie > To: ministerwenviron. ie eddie_kiernan®environ . ie CC; MINISTER'S OFFICE; SCANLAN Veronica sent: wed Jan 06 11:43:48 2010 Subject: Severe Driving Conditions Dear Minister's Dempsey and Gormley, It has now been almost 4 weeks since this extremely cold spell has existed In this Country and with Met Eireann forecasting it to continue, it is absolutely appalling that in every County across the Country, there exists, extremely 'Hazardous and dangerous driving conditions! Co Tipperary 0 52 6129155 0 3 6 3 18 4 3 0? matt ie . rncgratho>oireachtas . ie www .mace i erncg rath , i e