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Government announces increased measures to fight spread of COVID-19

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By Michelle Crean

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has just announced increased measures to fight spread of COVID-19 including a National COVID-19 Income Support Scheme.

During a live televised broadcast he said that schools, universities and childcare centres will remain closed until April 19, all non-essential retail outlets are to close, outdoor gatherings are now reduced to four unless from the same family, no unnecessary travel now or over the Easter period, all hotels are to limit occupancy to "essential non-social and non-tourist reasons", caravan parks are to close, there’ll be an increased presence of Park Rangers, new powers will be afforded to Gardai, while private hospitals will operate as public under Section 38 of the Health Act - freeing up a large number of beds.

He said that from midnight tonight (Tuesday) theatres, clubs, gyms, hairdressers, libraries and similar outlets are to shut, and all cafes and restaurants should limit their supply to takeaways only.

The new National COVID-19 Income Support Scheme will provide financial support to Irish workers and companies affected by the crisis.

In summary:
* a temporary wage subsidy of 70% of take home pay up to a maximum weekly tax free amount of €410 per week to help affected companies keep paying their employees. This is the equivalent of €500 per week before tax
* workers who have lost their jobs due to the crisis will receive an enhanced emergency COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment of €350 per week (an increase from €203)
* the COVID-19 illness payment will also be increased to €350 per week
* the self-employed will be eligible for the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment of €350 directly from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (rather than the Revenue scheme)
* enhanced protections for people facing difficulties with their mortgages, rent or utility bills
* it follows from a range of supports already in place to help business through the crisis

The Government is taking these extraordinary measures to help ordinary Irish citizens and families during this period of great economic and social stress.

These measures will be costly – with an initial estimated cost of €3.7 billion over a 12 week period, he said.

The Government believes these costs are necessary to ensure social solidarity with workers and their families affected by the crisis.

“The impact of COVID-19 has been sudden and enormous,” the Taoiseach said. “The cost of all this will be great. We’re ahead of the curve in terms of taking action.”

He emphasised that physical distancing, hand washing and staying at home are the most important measures people can take.

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Major extension plans at St Oliver’s National School

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Major extension plans at St Oliver’s National School


St Oliver’s National School in Ballycasheen is set to undergo a significant expansion following confirmation that the Department of Education has granted approval for the project to proceed to construction.


The building project, funded under the Additional School Accommodation Scheme, will deliver a substantial extension to the existing school facilities. The development includes the provision of three new mainstream classrooms, seven Special Education Teaching (SET) rooms, and three Special Educational Needs (SEN) bases.
The expansion is designed to meet the growing educational needs of the Killarney area while enhancing the school’s capacity to provide inclusive support for all students.
Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill welcomed the progress, noting that the inclusion of dedicated SET and SEN spaces is vital for a modern learning environment.
“I am delighted to see this project at St Oliver’s National School progressing to the construction stage,” he said. “This is a very significant development that will greatly enhance the school’s capacity. I want to commend the school management, the Principal Colm Ó Suilleabháin, the staff, parents, and Board of Management for their continued engagement and dedication in advancing this project.”

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Killarney for Palestine raises €4,500 at ‘Taste of Palestine’ event

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The Killarney Palestinian and wider Arabic community gathered recently to celebrate the end of Ramadan with an Eid event that raised €4,500 for humanitarian aid.


Held at Noelle’s Cafe in Old Market Lane, the ‘Taste of Palestine’ afternoon saw crowds fill the lane in bright sunshine. Attendees were served a range of traditional Palestinian dishes, including falafel, musakhan rolls, maqluba, hummus, and chocolate-covered dates.
A spokesperson for Killarney for Palestine highlighted the cultural significance of the event, stating that food represents a centuries-old connection to the land, identity, and memory. They noted that it is vital to reclaim and preserve the true origins of these traditional dishes.
The organisers expressed their gratitude to Noelle Crosbie and Taher Ali of Noelle’s Cafe for hosting and facilitating the fundraiser.
The total of €4,500 raised will directly benefit six displaced families in the Gaza Strip currently supported by the group. The funds will also assist with the ongoing running costs of Killarney for Palestine as they continue to organise local community events.

Killarney for Palestine raises €4,500 at ‘Taste of Palestine’ event

The Killarney Palestinian and wider Arabic community gathered recently to celebrate the end of Ramadan with an Eid event that raised €4,500 for humanitarian aid.


Held at Noelle’s Cafe in Old Market Lane, the ‘Taste of Palestine’ afternoon saw crowds fill the lane in bright sunshine. Attendees were served a range of traditional Palestinian dishes, including falafel, musakhan rolls, maqluba, hummus, and chocolate-covered dates.
A spokesperson for Killarney for Palestine highlighted the cultural significance of the event, stating that food represents a centuries-old connection to the land, identity, and memory. They noted that it is vital to reclaim and preserve the true origins of these traditional dishes.
The organisers expressed their gratitude to Noelle Crosbie and Taher Ali of Noelle’s Cafe for hosting and facilitating the fundraiser.
The total of €4,500 raised will directly benefit six displaced families in the Gaza Strip currently supported by the group. The funds will also assist with the ongoing running costs of Killarney for Palestine as they continue to organise local community events.

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