Record Heat, Health Concerns, and International Missions Lead Today's News
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a serious warning about an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The head of the WHO stated that the virus is spreading very quickly and the situation will likely get worse before it improves. Meanwhile, activists from a Gaza aid flotilla have made serious allegations against Israeli soldiers. Organisers say that participants from 40 different countries described being victims of physical and sexual abuse after their boats were intercepted.
In weather news, Ireland is experiencing unusually high temperatures. A record for the month of May, which was first set in 1997 at 28.4C, was provisionally equalled in County Carlow and could be broken tomorrow. Similarly, Northern Ireland recorded its warmest day of the year so far, with temperatures reaching 25C in several counties, including Armagh, Tyrone, Down, and Fermanagh. Experts expect the warm weather to continue for the rest of the week.
Ireland has announced it will end its involvement in a European naval mission in the Mediterranean. Known as Operation Irini, the mission aims to stop weapons from reaching groups in war-torn Libya. The decision to withdraw comes after the UN Security Council failed to renew the mission's mandate and the Irish government blocked further participation in the operation.
In health and safety news, a Spanish national has tested positive for hantavirus after being evacuated from a cruise ship earlier this month. The patient is currently in quarantine at a military hospital in Madrid. Closer to home, a local tragedy has sparked calls for better safety measures. A teenage girl, named locally as Abbie Carmody-Pepper, drowned at Burrow Beach in Howth. Local officials are now discussing the need for lifeguards to be present on beaches as early as May.
The Irish government is also preparing for political changes, as a new Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture is expected to be appointed this week. This follows the resignation of Michael Healy-Rae. In the tourism sector, businesses around Carlingford Lough are worried about their future. The local ferry service has been suspended for the year, and many business owners fear that tourism in the area will suffer significantly without the regular sailings.
Finally, a discussion about public cleanliness is taking place in Ireland regarding the problem of dog fouling. As fines for not picking up after pets are set to increase, many people are asking for more dog and litter wardens to enforce the rules. The issue is being highlighted as a major problem for parents with buggies and pedestrians across the country.