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Irish Independent
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Letters: Changes to apartment standards will just drag us back to our tenement past
While ostensibly beneficial for developers, it is unquestionably bad news for ordinary citizens struggling to secure a decent roof over their heads. Ireland's housing crisis is the result of years of flawed government policies and the reckless monetisation of the domestic housing market. This crisis manifests in two critical dimensions: a severe lack of available housing, and soaring costs that make housing unaffordable for the majority. While the reduction in standards may, at best, marginally increase the availability of units, albeit through compromised quality, it does nothing to address the core issue of affordability. Instead, it risks exacerbating the problem, forcing families and individuals to pay exorbitant prices for substandard, cramped living spaces. Historical accounts of Irish tenements often detail the hardships endured in overcrowded, poorly ventilated spaces, sometimes with only a single room serving as a kitchen, sitting room and bedroom. Disturbingly, the Government has now legislated to reintroduce such conditions, a move that flies in the face of basic housing rights and dignity. It is imperative that policymakers prioritise quality, affordability and the well-being of citizens over short-term gains for developers. Ireland deserves a housing strategy that ensures safe, decent and affordable homes for all, not one that reverts to the worst of our past. Thomas O'Connor, Crumlin, Dublin 12 All organisations affected by housing reforms should have been part of the plans I can understand the considerable disquiet among professional planners over the Government's decision to drastically reduce the minimum standards for apartments. The reforms that were announced by the Department of Housing without consulting the very professionals that will have to interpret and implement the changed guidelines is baffling and bewildering. One has to be deeply concerned about the potential unintended consequences of this decision. I find it incredible that the Department of Housing did not consult with tenant organisations, homeowner organisations or members of the public ahead of these changes. You couldn't make it up. John O'Brien, Clonmel, Co Tipperary ADVERTISEMENT Learn more A few heatwave tips from a Brisbane resident used to very high temperatures Having lived in Brisbane for the last 50 years, with daily summer temperatures reaching the mid- to high-30s, I suggest the following safeguards for handling a heatwave. Heatstroke can kill – so stay in the shade as much as possible, especially elderly people and children. The elderly should secure pedestal fans to keep cool. Drink plenty of water and eschew alcohol in the hottest parts of the day. Going swimming? Plenty of factor 50 sunscreen should be applied regularly. Wear a hat and a shirt. When I arrived in Brisbane in 1975, home air-con was virtually non-existent, so to ensure a good night's sleep many residents put their sheets in the freezer for two hours before bedtime. Enjoy your heatwave by dressing for the heat, using sunscreen, drinking lots of water and avoiding alcohol until the cool of the evening. Eddie Keane, Rochedale South, Queensland Trump's tariff call shows he doesn't need a deal, he only wants submission President Donald Trump's latest tariff salvo may sound like more bombast from across the Atlantic, but Ireland would be unwise to dismiss it as theatre. With 30pc duties threatened against Mexico and the EU, he is effectively reshaping trade policy into a geopolitical cudgel. This is not the old game of tariffs-for-jobs. This is a deliberate move to assert dominance over allies, testing whether the post-war trading order has any spine left. And while European leaders have huffed predictably, Mr Trump has already scored the psychological point: he doesn't need a deal, just submission. Ireland, ever the agile middle player between Brussels and Silicon Valley, should take note. These aren't just tariffs on cars and cheese. They're signals. Signals that the old rules are dissolving and a colder, more transactional era is beginning. The question now isn't whether Ireland likes it. It's whether it is ready for it. Enda Cullen, Tullysaran, Armagh We are losing our decency with so many moving to growing politics of hate The burning of a migrant boat effigy on a loyalist bonfire has shocked decent people north and south. Though it was indeed an offensive and provocative incident, was it any worse than the nationwide displays of bigotry we've witnessed here over the past three years? Banners with hateful slogans like 'Get them out!' and 'Ireland for the Irish!' have appeared in towns across the land. Those who attend these protests appear offended when asked if they consider themselves to be racist. 'Oh God no, of course not,' they say, 'we're just concerned about services in the area, the number of GPs, sure otherwise we'd be delighted to see them coming'. I suggest there needs to be an urgent emphasis on anti-racism courses in all schools. These courses should be comprehensive, and professionally delivered. Judging by the degree of venom, ignorance and naked hostility evident at anti-immigrant marches and pickets, we've already lost a minority of the population to the politics of hate and division. Let us act now to reclaim our decency as a nation. From an early age, children could be taught that there's a world of difference between patriotism and racism, between fascism and traditional nationalism. They might be taught that there's no 'plantation' under way in Ireland akin to the ones undertaken by various English kings and queens and by Cromwell. Or that there's no attempt to 'replace' us all with another set of people, that conspiracy theories beloved of internet keyboard warriors are madcap claims that have no more credence or provenance than the most fanciful fairy tale. A major anti-racism drive in schools might not help present-day victims of that age-old insidious and destructive human vice, but it might ensure that we don't end up with another generation of bigots wrapping themselves in the Tricolour as they seek to dehumanise people who have lost everything and whose only 'crime' is to look 'different'. John Fitzgerald, Callan, Co Kilkenny
Irish Independent
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Letters: Nobel Peace Prize committee must dismiss outright Benjamin Netanyahu's nomination of Donald Trump
With the former central to the bloodthirsty killing of women and children in Gaza and the latter seeing 'peace' as a commodity that can be manipulated for self-aggrandisement, can international statecraft become any more destitute? I trust that the Nobel Peace Prize committee will fully appreciate the threat to its integrity that this nomination poses and its imperative to preserve the worth and legacy of the 142 peace prize laureates since 1901. Michael Gannon, St Thomas Square, Kilkenny Severe lack of compassion amid continued starvation and slaughter in Gaza While the English and French gorge themselves on foie gras and bottles of pinot noir at the usual extravagant banquets organised and paid for by UK taxpayers, and the Americans and Israelis chomp on Kentucky fried chicken, hamburgers and pints of Coca-Cola, the imprisoned people of Gaza starve and are killed. Watching and listening to Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu making decisions on the future of the people of Gaza without consulting the people themselves is an affront, and one that will never be accepted by the people of that modern-day extermination camp. Each day as we watch the systematic killing of innocent people looking for food and water or seeking shelter from the elements and Israeli bombs, the world looks on. How can we in all conscience watch people being killed and starved while we shop online for the newest craze or fill our trolleys with all our weekly needs? Where is our compassion? Words and statements of outrage have fallen on deaf ears on dictators like Netanyahu and Vladimir Putin, propped up by Trump and other proxies aligned with these warmongers. What country is strong and brave enough to act decisively and be a saviour to those who have lost the most? EU countries need to act and formulate a plan whereby food and military intervention is to the fore. ADVERTISEMENT Christy Galligan, Letterkenny, Co Donegal Failed leader McDonald is utterly unsuitable for role of Ireland's next president John O'Brien seeks to promote Sinn Fein's failed leader to run for the Áras (Letters, July 8). It should be abundantly clear to all by now that Mary Lou McDonald's failed leadership of her party and her lack of appeal to a majority of the Irish electorate, as demonstrated in several general elections, renders her utterly unacceptable as first citizen of this country. Seamus O'Riain, Limerick Sinn Féin chief's star has fallen, and she would be doomed in race for Áras I don't agree with the view of John O'Brien (Letters, July 8) that selecting Mary Lou McDonald to run for the Áras would be a wise move for Sinn Féin. To me, it looks more like a desperate move. It would seem the party has failed to find a credible candidate and now has to resort to running its leader. The party has fared very poorly in this election in the past. Nor do I agree that running Ms McDonald for the presidency is the answer to its woes. If her name were to appear on a ballot paper in November, there would be a lot of people voting proportional representation against her and she would be doomed. The star of Mary Lou has fallen, as far as I can see. Thomas Garvey, Claremorris, Co Mayo Dogs make us men better as human beings – and we get more female attention Like Ian O'Doherty, I believe dogs bring out the best in us – even those of us who, due to travel and work commitments, have never owned one ('Power of pet dogs brings out the best in us and reduces big tough guys to softies', Irish Independent, July 9). That said, I've had the joy of walking other people's dogs, from the towpaths of San Francisco to the olive groves of southern Spain. It was in Spain that I realised I had grown far too attached: when a man let his dogs run loose and frightened the two Weimaraners I was walking, I very nearly resorted to violence. And when I later heard – from afar – that they had died, I was genuinely sad. They had become part of me. In San Francisco, I learnt something else: that walking a dog is what I should have been doing as a teenager. Women stopped to chat. Cyclists would shout: 'So cute.' I would shout back: 'Me or the dog?' Dogs, as O'Doherty says, don't just reflect the best in us, they quietly make us better. Enda Cullen, Tullysaran Road, Armagh Go back to paper to avoid missed appointments amid 'scam text' confusion 'Teething problems' are being blamed for 'likely scam' texts being flagged by ComReg on genuine messages, including important medical appointments. There is a straightforward way of dealing with this before it gets out of hand. Simply ask for any such information to be sent by post, on actual paper, and with a signature at the bottom. And in good time. Back to basics is easier than people think. Peter Declan O'Halloran, Belturbet, Co Cavan It's no surprise tourists are staying away from Ireland, given cost of everything According to recent Central Statistics Office (CSO) figures, there was a 10pc drop in foreign visitors holidaying in Ireland in May compared with the same month last year. These findings come as no surprise to me, as I find Ireland is far too expensive. The prices of things such as accommodation, food and many other items have all risen. Then the Vat rate went back up to 13.5pc in the service industry for bars, restaurants and hotels. I think these price rises have frightened many of our foreign visitors away. John O'Brien, Clonmel, Co Tipperary Nature is leaving us high and dry, but will our cups runneth over again soon? I note drought and hosepipe warnings are arriving thick and fast. That's before expected temperatures of 30C this weekend, and not a child in the house washed yet. Once again, nature has got the drop on us and we're left high and dry. So is the glass half-full or half-empty?
Irish Independent
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Letters: Selecting Mary Lou McDonald to run for the Áras would be a wise move for Sinn Féín
Some commentators believe she would be in with a clear shot. We know she's a really good campaigner and has a really good public profile. I believe this would be the kind of move for Sinn Féin that would put it back on the pitch in terms of advancing its agenda on day-to-day issues like housing and health, but also on its raison d'etre of having a united Ireland. Win or lose, it would be a big, bold move for Sinn Féin to run its most high-profile person for the presidency, if that was the route it was willing to go down. John O'Brien, Clonmel, Co Tipperary Mushroom murder trial is over, now let's move on to something more cheerful When checking through quite a number of newspapers, there seems to be a limited range of news. In the UK it's the heat and Wimbledon, in the US it's Trump and flooding. But everywhere in the world, it's also Australia's mushroom killer. Three people are dead, another has been injured and the jury has determined that Erin Patterson was guilty. Unless she wins an appeal, she will be in jail for a very long time. Thirty-two words to deliver the verdict and it was done, but it seems millions more have been written about it. It's time to forget Australia's deadly mushrooms, spiders, snakes and other animals and get back to reporting on our sports, celebrities – if we have any – and politics. There must be something positive happening somewhere in the world. Please find it. Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia ADVERTISEMENT Learn more Encouraging to see the revival of Irish language across popular culture There has been a revival of sorts in recent years in the Irish language, which is welcome. We have seen the success of films like An Cailín Ciúin that can stand on their own irrespective of what language is spoken. This year, the Galway Film Fleadh is showing 11 films as Gaeilge, twice last year's number. This points to a very healthy state of Irish-language productions. Kneecap are popularising An Ghaeilge, especially with young people. This is a far cry from the attitude of my fellow classmates when we studied Peig nearly 50 years ago in secondary school. This year, for the first time, the Galway International Arts Festival has Gaeilge ambassadors volunteering at events to encourage people to use their cúpla focal. There will be a pop-up Gaeltacht each day in Eyre Square between 1pm and 2pm. The use of An Ghaeilge is becoming more mainstream. They may be small steps, but people's attitudes to the language are changing. We have a long way to go before we experience the kind of revival the Welsh language has undergone in Wales, but as the seanfhocal says: 'De réir a chéile a thógtar na caisleáin.' Tommy Roddy, Ballybane, Galway It's about time somebody talked some sense into Trump over tariffs fiasco It seems like lies and more lies with Trump's tariffs these days after the US president kicked the can down the road again on his punitive tariffs. It might be a good idea if someone in his administration could now be bold enough to liberate him from his nonsensical tariff agenda. Perhaps they should suggest he needs to focus all his attention on his much sought-after Nobel Peace Prize. He should be well on his way with the support of his warmongering pal Benjamin Netanyahu. Aidan Roddy, Cabinteely, Dublin 18 Semi-final scoreboard mishap at Croke Park must be explained by GAA During the closing minutes of the hurling semi-final last Sunday, my internal scoreboard did jolt with the one in the stadium. However, this was little more than momentary, as I quickly endorsed the integrity of what the Croke Park screens were displaying. And while this 'mix-up' may, arguably, have disadvantaged Kilkenny, the core concern is that of the integrity of the stadium's information processes. Therefore, it's good to see the GAA quickly indicate that the matter would be investigated, and I hope, thereafter, that the reason for the mishap will be clearly explained. Human error, in my view, would be more understandable and more forgiveable than a technology system failure. How a lucky intervention from my wife saved me from Battle of the Oriel As a Dundalk FC supporter I read with interest last Saturday's 'Battle of Oriel' piece ('This was not football, it was a riot. I might have had a reputation as a hard man, but I was frightened to death that night', July 5). This, of course, referred to the European Champions League game between Dundalk and Linfield in 1979. In one of her many wise decisions down the years, my wife talked me out of attending the game. Luckily, I agreed. Forty-six years later, I'm still going to and enjoying games in Oriel Park. Mind you, for some people, the words 'head' and 'examined' may spring to mind. Tom Gilsenan, Dublin 9 If this weather keeps up, we could be coolest tourist destination in Europe As high temperatures make most of Europe to the south and east of this island unbearable, perhaps Fáilte Ireland could roll out this simple marketing slogan: 'Ireland is cool.' David Loughlin, Dublin 6 Our Government must put pressure on Central Bank to stop sale of war bonds Wicklow County Council has joined the dozen or so other councils around the country calling on the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) to stop facilitating the sale in the EU of Israeli war bonds. Will our political leaders now recognise the will of the people throughout the country and instruct the CBI to cease this facility? For all its rhetoric, the Irish Government is still effectively supporting Israel in its genocidal campaign. Is that how we want to be remembered?
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
dLocal and BVNK collaborate to enable stablecoin-based global payouts
Cross-border payment platform dLocal and stablecoin payments infrastructure provider BVNK have partnered to facilitate stablecoin-based payouts globally. The collaboration will facilitate money movement across over 40 markets. Under the agreement, BVNK will supply dLocal with stablecoin payment rails to support quicker settlements for dLocal's global merchant base. In return, dLocal will provide BVNK access to its Layer1 platform's fiat payout rails, expanding BVNK's presence in emerging markets across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. This will enable customers to use stablecoins for cross-border payments, with funds delivered to recipients in local currencies, according to dLocal. dLocal CRO John O'Brien said: 'dLocal is constantly exploring ways to expand access and improve settlement times for our clients. 'By integrating BVNK's stablecoin capabilities, we can offer even faster, borderless payments - without compromising compliance or control.' The partnership builds on a relationship established in 2016, when dLocal began using stablecoin-based payments as one of the first global payment service providers. The collaboration connects blockchain-based value transfer with regulated fiat settlement systems across more than 40 markets. BVNK co-founder Chris Harmse said: 'With Layer1, we're building a programmable payments network that connects stablecoins with trusted local payout rails. 'By integrating leading providers like dLocal, we're unlocking seamless, compliant value transfer into some of the most complex markets in the world.' dLocal specialises in local payments in emerging markets, connecting global merchants with consumers in regions including APAC, the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa. BVNK provides stablecoin infrastructure for global financial services, holding licences in key jurisdictions and partnering with Tier 1 banks to process transactions for clients such as Worldpay, Deel, and dLocal. "dLocal and BVNK collaborate to enable stablecoin-based global payouts" was originally created and published by Electronic Payments International, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Finextra
24-06-2025
- Business
- Finextra
DLocal partners BVNK for stablecoin payouts
DLocal (NASDAQ: DLO), the leading cross-border payment platform specializing in emerging markets and BVNK, the stablecoin payments infrastructure provider for global enterprises and PSPs, today announced a strategic partnership that enables faster, programmable, and more cost-effective money movement across 40+ markets. 0 This content is provided by an external author without editing by Finextra. It expresses the views and opinions of the author. Through the dual partnership: ● BVNK will provide stablecoin payment rails to dLocal, allowing them to offer faster settlements to their global merchant base. ● dLocal will offer BVNK access to fiat payout rails via its Layer1 platform, expanding BVNK's emerging markets coverage in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Customers will be able to fund cross-border payments using stablecoins and have them delivered to recipients in local currencies - seamlessly, and at scale. 'dLocal is constantly exploring ways to expand access and improve settlement times for our clients,' said John O'Brien, CRO at dLocal. By integrating BVNK's stablecoin capabilities, we can offer even faster, borderless payments - without compromising compliance or control. 'With Layer1, we're building a programmable payments network that connects stablecoins with trusted local payout rails,' said Chris Harmse, Co-founder at BVNK. 'By integrating leading providers like dLocal, we're unlocking seamless, compliant value transfer into some of the most complex markets in the world.' A proven model for stablecoin-enabled payments The announcement builds on a relationship first established in 2022, when dLocal became one of the first global PSPs to implement stablecoin-based payments. What started as a treasury use case has since evolved into a broader model for merchant funding and global payouts. Together, the companies are building a new layer of financial interoperability - connecting blockchain-native value transfer with regulated, fiat-based local settlement rails across 40+ markets.
