Terence Callaghan
It has emerged that on the 6th of December last, a seminarian from St. Pats was found tearing down a poster for an event of the Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual society. The incident was first reported to Declan Doody, Co-President of the GLB and St. Pats post-grad student. He was approached by a student that recognised Doody as one of the GLB Presidents. She informed Doody that she had earlier witnessed a person she personally knew to be a seminarian, taking down posters that were advertising the GLB Christmas party that was due to be held the following week. She told Doody that when she approached him to question his actions he responded with by saying that “they don’t belong in Maynooth, as St. Pats owns the land” and added that they were, “offensive”, “belittled [his] faith” and “wrong”.
Doody then went to the SU offices, where he lodged a complaint with SU Finance Officer Oisin O'Reilly which was passed on to SU President Amanda O’Hara. After discussing the complaint with Mr.O’Reilly it was decided that the job of writing an official letter would be left to the GLB. The decision was made due to the fact that the society felt so strongly on the issue. However, due to the Christmas break and exams, the e-mail informing the GLB of the decision was not received until early February. Amanda has said that she awaits the response from Monsignor Dermot Farrell (president of Maynooth College). If the response is not satisfactory, then the SU will step in and take appropriate action. As of the time of this paper going to print, the letter was being drafted by GLB co-presidents Max McLaughlin-Callan and Declan Doody. As of yet, no official response has been issued by St. Pats.
This event has had a demoralising effect on the GLB, because time, effort and money put into organising and advertising events on campus is going to waste on a regular basis. Mr. Doody revealed that the society does not advertise on the south campus, as posters were being removed within a day or two of them being put up. He also commented that posters regularly carry graffiti with phrases such as “Fag” and “Fanny basher”. On this particular incident Doody said of St. Pats “It’s offensive and depressing to know that there is a group of people that don’t consider you as their equal”.
This is, of course, not the first run in St. Pats and the GLB society has had.
Indeed up until 1997 St. Pats blocked the society’s official ratification, which only came with the Universities Act of the same year and the separation of Maynooth College and NUIM.
Monsignor Farrell's office were asked if they would like to comment on the incident. They did not reply to the Advocate.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Speaker tells of stirrings in Rossport
Leona Nally
We sit and watch protesters in groups, some lying on a road, some standing at the side. All there for the same reason. We watch the gardaí as they carry out their duties of picking people up off the road and throwing them over the side of a ditch, or dragging them to the side of the road by their legs. The jeeps arrive, and the real fun begins. As protesters stand in front of the jeeps, Gardaí push them out of the way. We hear a sound that can best be described as 'clunk' and are told that it is the noise of a protester being hit over the head with a loudspeaker by a garda. We see a man lying in a ditch with another man standing over him demanding that a Garda call an ambulance. The speaker, Mr John Monaghan, pauses the tape and tells us that a Bean Garda and a protester fell into the ditch, the Gardaí helped her out but left the protester screaming in pain. He was complaining of back pain a tingling in his legs. According to Mr. Monaghan it was 45 minutes before the ambulance was called. He then continues the tape. The ambulance arrives and we see them trying to help the injured protester. The ambulance leaves because it is unsafe, we are told by the speaker. We then watch as the Gardaí form a barricade. A Sergeant calls out over the speakers "This is your last opportunity before I deploy force" "second warning before I deploy force" "final warning before I deploy force". As a barricade of protesters faces a barricade of police, the latter produce batons and stride forward. Most of the Gardaí are simply shoving and pushing the protesters out of the way, with a few seen to be prodding and poking with batons. We see very clearly a face who John Monaghan tells us is Sgt. Conor O Reilly, a member of the special branch. This is the face of the man who trains the Gardaí in Templemore how to deal with crowd control. We see him whipping the legs of the protesters with a baton which Monaghan tells us is a telescopic baton, something which is illegal in this country. This video was recorded on the last day of action, the 10th of November 2006. The official statement from the Gardaí is that there was no Garda presence that day.
John Monaghan, a local resident in the Rossport area, tells us that it's not every day that the batons come out, but protests are every week day, and there has been some level of abuse since the 3rd of October 2006 when the Gardaí made their first appearance on the scene. The Gardaí are acting like 'school-yard bullies', according to Monaghan, their response to the arguments of the protesters is simply 'Garda action'. They could be arrested for willful obstruction, and the failure to comply, but there is no judicial process happening. They are just receiving brutality, Monaghan tells us. And yet their campaign is far away from Garda brutality, it is against the 'project'. This project which is between Shell and the Irish government is a sign of the state failing to protect it's citizens.
One of the 40 interested listeners asked what were the five originally jailed for? Monaghan tells us that the original plan was to have the pipeline 9 miles from the coast. People were arrested for opposing this. The men kept pushing An Bord Pleanála for information on what was actually happening and Shell called for an injunction. The decision fell on the High Court Judge, who granted the injunction while admitting he wasn't sure if he was doing the right thing. They were arrested for breaching a temporary injunction, and Shell still refuse to produce documents proving they have the right to do the work.
Has anyone taken a brutality plaint against the guards? According to Monaghan, a few have done so, but it has made very little difference. They have been told an ombudsman is being put in place, and so many of the protesters are waiting for this move before bothering to complain. Some of the Gardaí show clearly that they do not wish to be there, standing with tears in their eyes. "I'd say about half don't want to be there. The other half is split into a group who don't really care, and a group that want to kick the shit out of people. But it's important to remember that they are not the enemy, the project is"
What are the immediate concerns of the campaign?
There are two major current issues: to stop the Corrib Gas Project as natural resources are being stolen; and they don't want this project going through communities. Shell to sea want it moved offshore, or at least on the shoreline. "If we manage to claim the gas back, it's a bonus", Monaghan tells us. A Bord Pleanála inspector wrote a report, and in his conclusion said that Ballinaboy was the wrong site. There would be a serious amount of environmental impact. The planned pipe lies in the catchment area for Corinmore lake, which is the drinking supply for 10, 000 people. This would be a major concern, along with other issues such as hole venting, general flaring and immediate deterioration of air quality. Waste is being deposited in a nearby bay, effecting fish and dolphins, potentially destroying what was a significantly clean area for marine.
Are there any plans to use the general election, put politicians under pressure, etc? "For sure, we have our high profile 'pet TD', Joe Crowley who has supported Shell to Sea", Monaghan replies. "They're stealing our natural resources, so it is a national issue, but our focus at the moment is local."
Is there anything happening in Dublin?
Yes, the 24th of February there will be a march in Dublin, but at the moment they're focusing on the 16th of February, where there will be a Day of Solidarity in Ballinaboy. "Marching is all well and good, but how many people marched in anti-war? They give two fingers to the UN and go ahead with it anyway. We need action on the ground. If making your disapproval known is all we do, they'll do what they want. Judicial proceedings take years, and Shell have billions to spend on lawyers. Democracy is failing. Private companies taking over your land for their profit purely, not the state as before, is a totally new thing. What will happen next? These are very dangerous times, do we accept this, or do we reject it? This is the first time a compulsory acquisition order has been given to a private company, and by mistake. Signing over peoples land to a private company is against the law. and They knew, so they changed the law."
Under what conditions has the compulsory acquisition order been given?
"Under IFA compulsory rates, which has some conditions. You still own the land, and they are given use of about 40m of fields, so about half of your land. They would pay you €35 per metre, so some farmers would be making about 900-1000. What they're not told, is that if you don't give permission, they go ahead and use it anyway. They tell you they'll build a road, and a pipe. Eventually they'll take the road away, but the land will probably be reeds afterwards, which is what they don't tell you. They also don't tell you that if the pipe explodes, it's your responsibility. The gas pipeline also has adjoining pipelines carrying hydraulic fluid, cleansing acids, and a waste pipe. There will also be electric cables. This is a high pressure pipeline, 345 bar pressure for the gas, 610 bar pressure for the acids and hydraulic fluid. It is untreated, that is, odourless, without the added smell for detecting leaks. This is not the normal run of the mill gas pipeline. In Kinsale the gas is refined at sea, piped ashore at a much lower pressure and odorised. The biggest Bord Gais pipelines, in the so-called Transmission network, bringing the gas cross-country or overseas, run at 16 – 70 bar pressure. This development is so unprecedented the relevant legislation and regulations assumes its non-existence, that is, it applies to off shore upstream pipelines and to on land ones of around the levels of pressure used by Bord Gáis. The large pressure is necessary as the pipeline is actually pumping the gas straight out of the field, normally this process takes place completely at sea. This pipeline will pass by peoples' houses and by villages. It is being built through a bog where there have been landslides."
What's going to happen to the gas once it has been piped?
The plan is to pipe it and put it into the national grid, and sell it to whomever needs it. Shell and the state argue that "we're increasing all your gas", and yet there'll be no gas for mayo. By law it is illegal to distribute gas to Mayo, Sligo and Donegal because it is not economically viable. Shell are obligated to their shareholders to sell it to the highest bidder. The government are legally prevented from telling Shell what to do with the gas, they can sell it on to the UK if they want. "Shell want to get it to the market as fast as possible, and we all know who the market are", Monaghan tells us. "We have to put up with the pollution and the risk of responsibility, with no benefits."
How far has the project come?
"They say they have 60% of the work done. They may have 60% of the planing done, they may have 60% of the politicians bribed, but they don't have the pipeline built or the refinery built. Now is the time to get in their way. If we ignore it, it'll go away, at least for a while, but we all suffer. I don't want to tel my daughter "we tried our best, but we walked away". I intend to win this now. We can do this. This is the time to stop them. With your help, we can stop them."
Day of Solidarity: 16th of February, bring along musical instruments!
Dublin March: 24th of February
check out www.corribsos.com for more information
We sit and watch protesters in groups, some lying on a road, some standing at the side. All there for the same reason. We watch the gardaí as they carry out their duties of picking people up off the road and throwing them over the side of a ditch, or dragging them to the side of the road by their legs. The jeeps arrive, and the real fun begins. As protesters stand in front of the jeeps, Gardaí push them out of the way. We hear a sound that can best be described as 'clunk' and are told that it is the noise of a protester being hit over the head with a loudspeaker by a garda. We see a man lying in a ditch with another man standing over him demanding that a Garda call an ambulance. The speaker, Mr John Monaghan, pauses the tape and tells us that a Bean Garda and a protester fell into the ditch, the Gardaí helped her out but left the protester screaming in pain. He was complaining of back pain a tingling in his legs. According to Mr. Monaghan it was 45 minutes before the ambulance was called. He then continues the tape. The ambulance arrives and we see them trying to help the injured protester. The ambulance leaves because it is unsafe, we are told by the speaker. We then watch as the Gardaí form a barricade. A Sergeant calls out over the speakers "This is your last opportunity before I deploy force" "second warning before I deploy force" "final warning before I deploy force". As a barricade of protesters faces a barricade of police, the latter produce batons and stride forward. Most of the Gardaí are simply shoving and pushing the protesters out of the way, with a few seen to be prodding and poking with batons. We see very clearly a face who John Monaghan tells us is Sgt. Conor O Reilly, a member of the special branch. This is the face of the man who trains the Gardaí in Templemore how to deal with crowd control. We see him whipping the legs of the protesters with a baton which Monaghan tells us is a telescopic baton, something which is illegal in this country. This video was recorded on the last day of action, the 10th of November 2006. The official statement from the Gardaí is that there was no Garda presence that day.
John Monaghan, a local resident in the Rossport area, tells us that it's not every day that the batons come out, but protests are every week day, and there has been some level of abuse since the 3rd of October 2006 when the Gardaí made their first appearance on the scene. The Gardaí are acting like 'school-yard bullies', according to Monaghan, their response to the arguments of the protesters is simply 'Garda action'. They could be arrested for willful obstruction, and the failure to comply, but there is no judicial process happening. They are just receiving brutality, Monaghan tells us. And yet their campaign is far away from Garda brutality, it is against the 'project'. This project which is between Shell and the Irish government is a sign of the state failing to protect it's citizens.
One of the 40 interested listeners asked what were the five originally jailed for? Monaghan tells us that the original plan was to have the pipeline 9 miles from the coast. People were arrested for opposing this. The men kept pushing An Bord Pleanála for information on what was actually happening and Shell called for an injunction. The decision fell on the High Court Judge, who granted the injunction while admitting he wasn't sure if he was doing the right thing. They were arrested for breaching a temporary injunction, and Shell still refuse to produce documents proving they have the right to do the work.
Has anyone taken a brutality plaint against the guards? According to Monaghan, a few have done so, but it has made very little difference. They have been told an ombudsman is being put in place, and so many of the protesters are waiting for this move before bothering to complain. Some of the Gardaí show clearly that they do not wish to be there, standing with tears in their eyes. "I'd say about half don't want to be there. The other half is split into a group who don't really care, and a group that want to kick the shit out of people. But it's important to remember that they are not the enemy, the project is"
What are the immediate concerns of the campaign?
There are two major current issues: to stop the Corrib Gas Project as natural resources are being stolen; and they don't want this project going through communities. Shell to sea want it moved offshore, or at least on the shoreline. "If we manage to claim the gas back, it's a bonus", Monaghan tells us. A Bord Pleanála inspector wrote a report, and in his conclusion said that Ballinaboy was the wrong site. There would be a serious amount of environmental impact. The planned pipe lies in the catchment area for Corinmore lake, which is the drinking supply for 10, 000 people. This would be a major concern, along with other issues such as hole venting, general flaring and immediate deterioration of air quality. Waste is being deposited in a nearby bay, effecting fish and dolphins, potentially destroying what was a significantly clean area for marine.
Are there any plans to use the general election, put politicians under pressure, etc? "For sure, we have our high profile 'pet TD', Joe Crowley who has supported Shell to Sea", Monaghan replies. "They're stealing our natural resources, so it is a national issue, but our focus at the moment is local."
Is there anything happening in Dublin?
Yes, the 24th of February there will be a march in Dublin, but at the moment they're focusing on the 16th of February, where there will be a Day of Solidarity in Ballinaboy. "Marching is all well and good, but how many people marched in anti-war? They give two fingers to the UN and go ahead with it anyway. We need action on the ground. If making your disapproval known is all we do, they'll do what they want. Judicial proceedings take years, and Shell have billions to spend on lawyers. Democracy is failing. Private companies taking over your land for their profit purely, not the state as before, is a totally new thing. What will happen next? These are very dangerous times, do we accept this, or do we reject it? This is the first time a compulsory acquisition order has been given to a private company, and by mistake. Signing over peoples land to a private company is against the law. and They knew, so they changed the law."
Under what conditions has the compulsory acquisition order been given?
"Under IFA compulsory rates, which has some conditions. You still own the land, and they are given use of about 40m of fields, so about half of your land. They would pay you €35 per metre, so some farmers would be making about 900-1000. What they're not told, is that if you don't give permission, they go ahead and use it anyway. They tell you they'll build a road, and a pipe. Eventually they'll take the road away, but the land will probably be reeds afterwards, which is what they don't tell you. They also don't tell you that if the pipe explodes, it's your responsibility. The gas pipeline also has adjoining pipelines carrying hydraulic fluid, cleansing acids, and a waste pipe. There will also be electric cables. This is a high pressure pipeline, 345 bar pressure for the gas, 610 bar pressure for the acids and hydraulic fluid. It is untreated, that is, odourless, without the added smell for detecting leaks. This is not the normal run of the mill gas pipeline. In Kinsale the gas is refined at sea, piped ashore at a much lower pressure and odorised. The biggest Bord Gais pipelines, in the so-called Transmission network, bringing the gas cross-country or overseas, run at 16 – 70 bar pressure. This development is so unprecedented the relevant legislation and regulations assumes its non-existence, that is, it applies to off shore upstream pipelines and to on land ones of around the levels of pressure used by Bord Gáis. The large pressure is necessary as the pipeline is actually pumping the gas straight out of the field, normally this process takes place completely at sea. This pipeline will pass by peoples' houses and by villages. It is being built through a bog where there have been landslides."
What's going to happen to the gas once it has been piped?
The plan is to pipe it and put it into the national grid, and sell it to whomever needs it. Shell and the state argue that "we're increasing all your gas", and yet there'll be no gas for mayo. By law it is illegal to distribute gas to Mayo, Sligo and Donegal because it is not economically viable. Shell are obligated to their shareholders to sell it to the highest bidder. The government are legally prevented from telling Shell what to do with the gas, they can sell it on to the UK if they want. "Shell want to get it to the market as fast as possible, and we all know who the market are", Monaghan tells us. "We have to put up with the pollution and the risk of responsibility, with no benefits."
How far has the project come?
"They say they have 60% of the work done. They may have 60% of the planing done, they may have 60% of the politicians bribed, but they don't have the pipeline built or the refinery built. Now is the time to get in their way. If we ignore it, it'll go away, at least for a while, but we all suffer. I don't want to tel my daughter "we tried our best, but we walked away". I intend to win this now. We can do this. This is the time to stop them. With your help, we can stop them."
Day of Solidarity: 16th of February, bring along musical instruments!
Dublin March: 24th of February
check out www.corribsos.com for more information
Foul play ruled out in death of Maynooth student
Dermot Tobin and Hazel Fahy
A garda officer has been appointed to investigate the death of Maynooth student Stephen Sheridan, who died on Wednesday the 7th February while in Garda custody. Gardaí received an emergency call on the morning of Tuesday the 6th from an apartment on Campus. Gardaí found two men in the apartment, one of whom was unconscious. The unconscious man was taken to Blanchardstown hospital. Meanwhile, the Gardaí acquired a search warrant on suspicion that illegal drugs might be involved. On searching the apartment, gardaí found a quantity of drugs, but the Garda Press Office have declined to say what type or, indeed, how much was found. The second man, who is not believed to be a student of the University, was subsequently arrested but later released pending instructions from the Director of Public Prosecutions. After discharging himself from hospital, Mr. Sheridan was arrested under section 74 of the Criminal Justice Act, misuse of drugs. He was arrested at his apartment and taken to Naas Garda station. After initial inquiries, gardaí suspended questioning until 12pm of the following day. Shortly before 5am, gardaí became concerned about his health and CPR was administered. An ambulance was called and Mr. Sheridan was pronounced dead at 6am at Naas General Hospital. The cause of Mr. Sheridan's death has still not been released to the public but an internal investigation led by a midlands garda super-intendant found no suspicious details in the man's death. Stephen Sheridan (29), Shandon Park, Phibsborough, North Dublin, was a second year Social Studies student undertaking a diploma in community and work. Head of the social studies department, Anastacia Crickley, described Mr. Sheridan as a good academic performer who had excelled in his first year examinations. She also said that students and staff alike in the close-knit department were very saddened and shocked by this untimely death. His class attended his funeral which was held on Monday. Jim Hughes, Vice President of NUI Maynooth, described the case as a great human tragedy and said that condolences had been extended to his family on behalf the University. He went on to say that University policy was very clear about illegal behaviour. He also wants to reassure students and parents alike that the University is adamant about maintaining its zero tolerance stance and will continue to monitor campus activities in conjunction with the Gardaí. A memorial service will be held in a months time.
A garda officer has been appointed to investigate the death of Maynooth student Stephen Sheridan, who died on Wednesday the 7th February while in Garda custody. Gardaí received an emergency call on the morning of Tuesday the 6th from an apartment on Campus. Gardaí found two men in the apartment, one of whom was unconscious. The unconscious man was taken to Blanchardstown hospital. Meanwhile, the Gardaí acquired a search warrant on suspicion that illegal drugs might be involved. On searching the apartment, gardaí found a quantity of drugs, but the Garda Press Office have declined to say what type or, indeed, how much was found. The second man, who is not believed to be a student of the University, was subsequently arrested but later released pending instructions from the Director of Public Prosecutions. After discharging himself from hospital, Mr. Sheridan was arrested under section 74 of the Criminal Justice Act, misuse of drugs. He was arrested at his apartment and taken to Naas Garda station. After initial inquiries, gardaí suspended questioning until 12pm of the following day. Shortly before 5am, gardaí became concerned about his health and CPR was administered. An ambulance was called and Mr. Sheridan was pronounced dead at 6am at Naas General Hospital. The cause of Mr. Sheridan's death has still not been released to the public but an internal investigation led by a midlands garda super-intendant found no suspicious details in the man's death. Stephen Sheridan (29), Shandon Park, Phibsborough, North Dublin, was a second year Social Studies student undertaking a diploma in community and work. Head of the social studies department, Anastacia Crickley, described Mr. Sheridan as a good academic performer who had excelled in his first year examinations. She also said that students and staff alike in the close-knit department were very saddened and shocked by this untimely death. His class attended his funeral which was held on Monday. Jim Hughes, Vice President of NUI Maynooth, described the case as a great human tragedy and said that condolences had been extended to his family on behalf the University. He went on to say that University policy was very clear about illegal behaviour. He also wants to reassure students and parents alike that the University is adamant about maintaining its zero tolerance stance and will continue to monitor campus activities in conjunction with the Gardaí. A memorial service will be held in a months time.
Swimming pool hours cut
Margaret O'Reilly
The swimming pool on the South Campus of Maynooth has been the cause of much debate this year amongst the students of the university. The opening hours of the swimming pool have been reduced this year by almost half. In previous years, the pool was open for thirty two hours per week, but this year, the hours have been reduced to twenty six hours a week. Thus, limiting the amount of time that students can use the pool by six hours. The Swimming Pool Development Officer Martin J McCann says that this is to facilitate a program of swimming lessons for children and adults. The money generated from this project is to go towards the increasing costs of running the swimming pool and also towards a new swimming program for the students. Mr McCann says that, although there is a reduction in hours, "there is a cleaner, warmer pool with better qualified staff. The overall benefit of lessons being available with higher standards is, in the longer term, a much better quality of service available to the student body." However the Students Union, who are paying €90 an hour so that students can avail of these services, feel that these hours are not enough. Student Union president Amanda O' Hara and Finance Officer Oisín O' Reilly have been discussing the issue with the bursar Mr Mike O' Malley and have so far managed to regain two hours but Vice President of the Students Union and Welfare Officer Sarah McEvoy feels that this is "unsatisfactory." She says that "the swimming pool is obviously a burning issue and has been since the beginning of the academic year. The loss of hours at the beginning of last semester was a serious blow to students with the hours cut by up to half. Since then, we have managed to regain two hours, but obviously this is unsatisfactory from the students' point of view. It is an issue that is amongst our top priorities in the Students Union and Amanda O' Hara and Oisín O' Reilly are dealing with it thus."
The swimming pool on the South Campus of Maynooth has been the cause of much debate this year amongst the students of the university. The opening hours of the swimming pool have been reduced this year by almost half. In previous years, the pool was open for thirty two hours per week, but this year, the hours have been reduced to twenty six hours a week. Thus, limiting the amount of time that students can use the pool by six hours. The Swimming Pool Development Officer Martin J McCann says that this is to facilitate a program of swimming lessons for children and adults. The money generated from this project is to go towards the increasing costs of running the swimming pool and also towards a new swimming program for the students. Mr McCann says that, although there is a reduction in hours, "there is a cleaner, warmer pool with better qualified staff. The overall benefit of lessons being available with higher standards is, in the longer term, a much better quality of service available to the student body." However the Students Union, who are paying €90 an hour so that students can avail of these services, feel that these hours are not enough. Student Union president Amanda O' Hara and Finance Officer Oisín O' Reilly have been discussing the issue with the bursar Mr Mike O' Malley and have so far managed to regain two hours but Vice President of the Students Union and Welfare Officer Sarah McEvoy feels that this is "unsatisfactory." She says that "the swimming pool is obviously a burning issue and has been since the beginning of the academic year. The loss of hours at the beginning of last semester was a serious blow to students with the hours cut by up to half. Since then, we have managed to regain two hours, but obviously this is unsatisfactory from the students' point of view. It is an issue that is amongst our top priorities in the Students Union and Amanda O' Hara and Oisín O' Reilly are dealing with it thus."
Tesco planning contested in Maynooth
John Geraghty
An appeal has been made to An Pleanála by a Maynooth group, which says that the planning permission granted to Tesco will
adversely affect the trees currently growing on Maynooth’s main street. The planning grant makes the provision for the removal of eight trees and will endanger the well being of remaining trees say the petitioners in a letter written to An Bord Pleanála. The planning grant is designed in part to tackle Maynooth’s growing traffic problem. Alternatives to the proposed plan are given in the letter written by T.D. Emmet Stagg (Labour) and councillor John McGinley (Labour).
The letter can be viewed on http://portal.maynooth.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=315&Itemid=9
An appeal has been made to An Pleanála by a Maynooth group, which says that the planning permission granted to Tesco will
adversely affect the trees currently growing on Maynooth’s main street. The planning grant makes the provision for the removal of eight trees and will endanger the well being of remaining trees say the petitioners in a letter written to An Bord Pleanála. The planning grant is designed in part to tackle Maynooth’s growing traffic problem. Alternatives to the proposed plan are given in the letter written by T.D. Emmet Stagg (Labour) and councillor John McGinley (Labour).
The letter can be viewed on http://portal.maynooth.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=315&Itemid=9
Short news Stories
Clare Herbert,
British Students predict their futures
The British equivalent to the CAO, UCAS, recently surveyed 54,240 of their applicants on the impact which technology will have on their futures.
75% expect to be talking to their computers, rather than typing, while 44% think that computers will be more intelligent than humans. One in eight young people expect virtual reality holidays to be popular. Two-thirds of students are also predicting that oil will have run out and more than half foresee a war over access to water, within a 25 year period. 47% reckon that smoking will also have been banned.
75% value central role of faith in college
A recent survey has revealed that more than 75% of students want their third level institutions to make provisions for people's faith needs. Retention rates, motivation and achievement levels improve in a faith-friendly college, the study found. Students specifically requested that colleges forge a culture of tolerance and respect, observe different religious festivals and calendars and cater for special diets.
UL AND UCC GET NEW PRESIDENTS
Prof Don Barry, the University of Limerick's vice-president and registrar, was “genuinely honoured” to be appointed President of the UL. A Corkonian, Prof Barry has a statistics PhD and has extensive experience as both a teacher and researcher. UCC latest Commander-in-Chief has had a more controversial ascension. Following something of a civil war between rival academic factions, Michael Murphy has been appointed President.
UCD students hack results
Several UCD Students (roughly 10-12 according to UCDSU education officer Brian Doyle) recently accessed their provisional exam results by locating the college’s restricted web address. The results, which were due for publication the following week, could not be altered however, as it is a password protected site. It is thought unlikely that the students will face disciplinary action.
Dundalk IT Parking Protest A Success
Dundalk IT Students’ Union’s recent demonstration in protest at a proposed ban on student parking was successful. Management has now agreed that 100 parking spaces will be assigned for student-only use, with negotiations to continue on an overall parking policy. DKIT Students’ Union President, Niall Callery described the proposed ban as “unreasonable to both commuter students who depend on their cars as a lifeline, and to local residents who feared possible disruption.”
IADT launch depression awareness resources
Education Minister Mary Hanifan recently launched IADT Dún Laoghaire’s depression awareness resource to address the issue of rising suicide numbers. It is predicted that by 2020 depression is expected to be the highest ranking cause of disease in the developed world. IADT Students’ Union Welfare Officer Sinéad O’Loughlin hopes that the programme will “tackle the dangerous stigma surrounding depression, while simultaneously highlighting available support and raising awareness about prevention.
13,000 college places left unfilled.
The USI recently called for students from all backgrounds to submit applications to the CAO, following the release of HEA figures showing that 13,000 college applications were left vacant in 2005. Individuals, particularly those from non-traditional backgrounds are being encouraged to visit the Qualifax website (www.qualifax.ie) to consider their options.
Shop to your degreeTesco shoppers can now exchange loyalty card points for a university degree, in a partnership between the Open University and Tesco which sees college fees partially paid by points earned. For every £10 of vouchers, British shoppers will receive £40 towards the cost of their OU course. The scheme hopes to prevent mounting student debt problems, and encourage prospective students that education is achievable.
Role of Wikipedia in Academia Questionned
The technological revolution in education has prompted calls for clear protocols to b be established. Academics are currently considering whether Wikipedia can justifiably be quoted as an authoritative source on students’ work. The Google Book Search Library Project, which indexes the accumulated knowledge in five of the world’s biggest libraries, is soon due to open. Bill Gates will also launch his Palm Pilot-sized 'tablet', linking the students to every textbook in every subject that they could conceivably need in the coming years.
Rock The Vote reaches Irish Shores
The Rock the Vote model for encouraging political engagement and participation among young people is set to be launched in Ireland, in advance of the forthcoming general election. The project’s chief supporter, TCD Graduate Paddy Cosgrave, is confident of launching an “enormous, non-partisan, nationwide campaign to mobilize young people to get out and vote in the 2007 general election".
Cosgrave is keen to stress that the campaign is not interested in party politics, and is completely independent of any sector in Irish politics. Rather than canvassing for specific parties, interested young people will canvas their peers highlighting the importance and relevance of their vote.
The campaign, which is due for official launch on April 2nd, aims to increase voter turnout by 100,000 votes which could potentially have a substantial impact on election results in several key constituencies.
Research has indicated that it costs roughly €7 to mobilize each voter, meaning the programme is set to incur substantial costs. Financial backing is currently sourced from one chief donor, although there are plans to expand this network of donors as well as fundraising independently.
Comedian Des Bishop, who mentioned the idea during a recent special youth edition of ‘Questions and Answers’, is suspected of involvement. High profile figures from Irish musical and sporting life are also expected to feature strongly in the campaign. The US and British models successfully used celebrity endorsements from stars such as Bruce Springsteen, Lenny Kravitz, the Black Eyed Peas and the Dixie Chicks.
Rock the vote are currently hiring a substantial team of paid staff to engage in communications, research, co-ordinating and directing. Further information is available on www.rockthevote.ie.
British Students predict their futures
The British equivalent to the CAO, UCAS, recently surveyed 54,240 of their applicants on the impact which technology will have on their futures.
75% expect to be talking to their computers, rather than typing, while 44% think that computers will be more intelligent than humans. One in eight young people expect virtual reality holidays to be popular. Two-thirds of students are also predicting that oil will have run out and more than half foresee a war over access to water, within a 25 year period. 47% reckon that smoking will also have been banned.
75% value central role of faith in college
A recent survey has revealed that more than 75% of students want their third level institutions to make provisions for people's faith needs. Retention rates, motivation and achievement levels improve in a faith-friendly college, the study found. Students specifically requested that colleges forge a culture of tolerance and respect, observe different religious festivals and calendars and cater for special diets.
UL AND UCC GET NEW PRESIDENTS
Prof Don Barry, the University of Limerick's vice-president and registrar, was “genuinely honoured” to be appointed President of the UL. A Corkonian, Prof Barry has a statistics PhD and has extensive experience as both a teacher and researcher. UCC latest Commander-in-Chief has had a more controversial ascension. Following something of a civil war between rival academic factions, Michael Murphy has been appointed President.
UCD students hack results
Several UCD Students (roughly 10-12 according to UCDSU education officer Brian Doyle) recently accessed their provisional exam results by locating the college’s restricted web address. The results, which were due for publication the following week, could not be altered however, as it is a password protected site. It is thought unlikely that the students will face disciplinary action.
Dundalk IT Parking Protest A Success
Dundalk IT Students’ Union’s recent demonstration in protest at a proposed ban on student parking was successful. Management has now agreed that 100 parking spaces will be assigned for student-only use, with negotiations to continue on an overall parking policy. DKIT Students’ Union President, Niall Callery described the proposed ban as “unreasonable to both commuter students who depend on their cars as a lifeline, and to local residents who feared possible disruption.”
IADT launch depression awareness resources
Education Minister Mary Hanifan recently launched IADT Dún Laoghaire’s depression awareness resource to address the issue of rising suicide numbers. It is predicted that by 2020 depression is expected to be the highest ranking cause of disease in the developed world. IADT Students’ Union Welfare Officer Sinéad O’Loughlin hopes that the programme will “tackle the dangerous stigma surrounding depression, while simultaneously highlighting available support and raising awareness about prevention.
13,000 college places left unfilled.
The USI recently called for students from all backgrounds to submit applications to the CAO, following the release of HEA figures showing that 13,000 college applications were left vacant in 2005. Individuals, particularly those from non-traditional backgrounds are being encouraged to visit the Qualifax website (www.qualifax.ie) to consider their options.
Shop to your degreeTesco shoppers can now exchange loyalty card points for a university degree, in a partnership between the Open University and Tesco which sees college fees partially paid by points earned. For every £10 of vouchers, British shoppers will receive £40 towards the cost of their OU course. The scheme hopes to prevent mounting student debt problems, and encourage prospective students that education is achievable.
Role of Wikipedia in Academia Questionned
The technological revolution in education has prompted calls for clear protocols to b be established. Academics are currently considering whether Wikipedia can justifiably be quoted as an authoritative source on students’ work. The Google Book Search Library Project, which indexes the accumulated knowledge in five of the world’s biggest libraries, is soon due to open. Bill Gates will also launch his Palm Pilot-sized 'tablet', linking the students to every textbook in every subject that they could conceivably need in the coming years.
Rock The Vote reaches Irish Shores
The Rock the Vote model for encouraging political engagement and participation among young people is set to be launched in Ireland, in advance of the forthcoming general election. The project’s chief supporter, TCD Graduate Paddy Cosgrave, is confident of launching an “enormous, non-partisan, nationwide campaign to mobilize young people to get out and vote in the 2007 general election".
Cosgrave is keen to stress that the campaign is not interested in party politics, and is completely independent of any sector in Irish politics. Rather than canvassing for specific parties, interested young people will canvas their peers highlighting the importance and relevance of their vote.
The campaign, which is due for official launch on April 2nd, aims to increase voter turnout by 100,000 votes which could potentially have a substantial impact on election results in several key constituencies.
Research has indicated that it costs roughly €7 to mobilize each voter, meaning the programme is set to incur substantial costs. Financial backing is currently sourced from one chief donor, although there are plans to expand this network of donors as well as fundraising independently.
Comedian Des Bishop, who mentioned the idea during a recent special youth edition of ‘Questions and Answers’, is suspected of involvement. High profile figures from Irish musical and sporting life are also expected to feature strongly in the campaign. The US and British models successfully used celebrity endorsements from stars such as Bruce Springsteen, Lenny Kravitz, the Black Eyed Peas and the Dixie Chicks.
Rock the vote are currently hiring a substantial team of paid staff to engage in communications, research, co-ordinating and directing. Further information is available on www.rockthevote.ie.
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