Latest news with #MarkWard
Scotsman
10-07-2025
- Climate
- Scotsman
‘Sun-Shy Scots'? As Edinburgh braces for weekend heatwave new survey reveals Scottish people more likely to skip outdoor plans when it's hot
As Edinburgh braces for another heatwave this weekend, a new national survey from outdoor clothing brand TOG24 reveals an unexpected twist: Scottish people are more likely than many in the UK to cancel an outing due to hot weather. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... According to TOG24's survey, which asked over 3,000 people across the UK about their attitudes to bad weather and outdoor plans, 14% of Scottish respondents said they would change or abandon outdoor plans if the temperature rose above 25°C. That figure puts Scotland above Central England (12%) and Wales (12%), and equal to Northern England, despite Scotland's reputation for braving the elements. The findings arrive just as forecasters predict temperatures will hit 29°C in parts of Scotland this Saturday, triggering heat health alerts and warnings from the Met Office. This will mark one of the hottest days of the year so far, and a dramatic shift for a country more accustomed to drizzle than drought. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The survey also found that while Scots are typically stoic when it comes to traditional bad weather with just 8% citing a light breeze as a ''picnic deterrent' and only 1% claiming to go out in all conditions, high temperatures are fast becoming the new disruptor. TOG24 survey infographic highlights most weather-resilient in the UK That reputation, it turns out, is well earned. In the same survey Scotland was voted the most weather-resilient region by 37% of Brits, an overwhelming 31-point lead over the next closest, the North East (9%). Scots seem to agree with that perception too, with 60% of respondents in Scotland saying they consider themselves resilient in bad weather. "Looking at these results," says TOG24 Managing Director Mark Ward, "you'd think we were a nation of fair-weather picnickers [...] But with British weather doing what it does best, which is switching from sun to sleet in minutes, we design clothing that's ready for whatever the skies throw at you." Further findings suggest Scotland stands apart in other areas too: more likely to come prepared for unpredictable weather with proper waterproofs, and slightly more inclined than other regions to say they don't do picnics at all. With Glasgow's TRNSMT festival set to take place under scorching skies this weekend, the message is clear: sunshine, not showers, may be Scotland's next big weather challenge.
Scotsman
10-07-2025
- Climate
- Scotsman
As Scotland braces for weekend heatwave new survey reveals Scottish people more likely to skip outdoor plans when it's hot
As Scotland braces for an unexpected heatwave this weekend, a new national survey from outdoor clothing brand TOG24 reveals an unexpected twist: Scottish people are more likely than many in the UK to cancel an outing due to hot weather. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... According to TOG24's survey, which asked over 3,000 people across the UK about their attitudes to bad weather and outdoor plans, 14% of Scottish respondents said they would change or abandon outdoor plans if the temperature rose above 25°C. That figure puts Scotland above Central England (12%) and Wales (12%), and equal to Northern England, despite Scotland's reputation for braving the elements. The findings arrive just as forecasters predict temperatures will hit 29°C in parts of Scotland this Saturday, triggering heat health alerts and warnings from the Met Office. This will mark one of the hottest days of the year so far, and a dramatic shift for a country more accustomed to drizzle than drought. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The survey also found that while Scots are typically stoic when it comes to traditional bad weather with just 8% citing a light breeze as a ''picnic deterrent' and only 1% claiming to go out in all conditions, high temperatures are fast becoming the new disruptor. TOG24 survey infographic shows Scots were voted most weather-resilient in the UK That reputation, it turns out, is well earned. In the same survey Scotland was voted the most weather-resilient region by 37% of Brits, an overwhelming 31-point lead over the next closest, the North East (9%). Scots seem to agree with that perception too, with 60% of respondents in Scotland saying they consider themselves resilient in bad weather. "Looking at these results," says TOG24 Managing Director Mark Ward, "you'd think we were a nation of fair-weather picnickers [...] But with British weather doing what it does best, which is switching from sun to sleet in minutes, we design clothing that's ready for whatever the skies throw at you." Further findings suggest Scotland stands apart in other areas too: more likely to come prepared for unpredictable weather with proper waterproofs, and slightly more inclined than other regions to say they don't do picnics at all. With Glasgow's TRNSMT festival set to take place under scorching skies this weekend, the message is clear: sunshine, not showers, may be Scotland's next big weather challenge.
Dublin Live
26-06-2025
- Health
- Dublin Live
Calls to strictly regulate nitrous oxide as report shows how easy it is to buy online
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Calls to strictly regulate nitrous oxide have been made after it was revealed that it is readily available to minors online in Ireland. Dublin TD Mark Ward is calling for the "laughing gas" to be strictly regulated in Ireland due to the online sale of it alongside balloons on sites such as Amazon and Adverts. There are even recommendations on the sites that they are frequently bought together. A report by The Journal showed that there have been several deaths in Europe - including Ireland - due to misuse of nitrous oxide. As previously reported by Dublin Live, a 16-year-old boy lost the feeling in his limbs and became unable to walk after using the drug for four years. Sinn Fein TD Ward said: 'What is most shocking is that on the Amazon website, it recommended the purchase of balloons as 'frequently bought together' with nitrous oxide canisters. I have been raising the need to regulate the sale of nitrous oxide for a long time and I have produced legislation that would do just that. 'Nitrous oxide does have medical and catering uses which is why my bill would restrict its sale just to those industries that have legitimate use of the product. This would help prevent the misuse of the substance, particularly by minors. We have seen nitrous oxide being targeted to young people with its advertising and flavours. 'We know that there are health effects, both physical and mental, that can be caused by the misuse of the nitrous oxide. We have heard of people presenting with frostbite and neurological damage to medical professionals, following the use of nitrous oxide. The Journal have also attributed several deaths in Europe, including Ireland to the misuse of Nitrous Oxide. 'This requires action and the fact that is so readily available online should highlight the urgency to regulate its sale. I am calling on the government to take action on this. If they won't my bill is ready to go to regulate the sale of nitrous oxide.' Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice . For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
The Journal
25-06-2025
- Health
- The Journal
Nitrous oxide canisters littering streets and parks 'sparking curiosity' in children
LARGE CYLINDRICAL CANISTERS have become a common sight littering many public areas in recent years. But what actually are they? These canisters were once filled with nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, used by teens and young people for short highs. But for young children, these bright colourful tubes are 'sparking curiosity'. Experts told The Journal Investigates that this leads to kids picking them up and checking to see if there is any gas inside. They frequently litter our streets and public parks. This creates 'a kind of permissive attitude around nitrous oxide', according to Trevor Bissett, a coordinator with the Clondalkin Drug and Alcohol Task Force. Advertisement 'They're everywhere,' he told us. 'The larger canisters have become a big issue in the area in terms of the litter and [the] visibility of them as well.' Children as young as 12 are picking them up to check if there is any gas left, according to reports received by the Clondalkin Drug and Alcohol Task Force. For those who use it, the drug can have devastating consequences. Inhaling gas straight from the canister can lead to devastating frostbite burns, which is why balloons are typically used for transferring the gas. Nitrous oxide use can also lead to paralysis and suffocation, health experts told us. Mark Ward TD said that discarded nitrous oxide canisters are a massive problem. Mark Ward TD Mark Ward TD Investigations like this don't happen without your support… Impactful investigative reporting is powered by people like you. Support The Journal Investigates Sinn Féin TD Mark Ward said that ease of access and popularity with young people is contributing to the litter problem: Related Reads 'Devastating' nitrous oxide available to buy on popular Irish websites 'Walk to any housing state or any public park in Dublin, and you will see discarded nitrous oxide canisters lying around the place…this is an issue in Cork. It's an issue in Limerick [and] right across the state.' Our health service is feeling the impact of this. Last year, a HSE report found that nitrous oxide ranked third on the reported substance use from teenagers referred to the service, behind alcohol and cannabis. But Ward said that this is 'only the tip of the iceberg'. He added: 'Most of the problematic use goes unnoticed and people don't present for help.' Don't throw canisters in the bin Discarding these canisters properly, particularly the larger ones, can be difficult. Last year, Revenue put out a tender to dispose of the huge number of canisters – over 480,000 since 2020 – it has seized due to suspected illegitimate use. It contracted a waste management company to 'carry out the transport, storage, and disposal of seized nitrous oxide canisters', a Revenue spokesperson told us. Ward also said that these canisters can cause damage to machines when being processed through the domestic waste system. Sign up The Journal Investigates is dedicated to lifting the lid on how Ireland works. Our newsletter gives you an inside look at how we do this. Sign up here... Sign up .spinner{transform-origin:center;animation:spinner .75s infinite linear}@keyframes spinner{100%{transform:rotate(360deg)}} You are now signed up So, what should you do if you find one on the street? Don't throw it in the bin. Instead, Ward advises, people can dispose of them at local recycling centres, or by contacting their local authority to remove them. Earlier today, The Journal Investigates revealed how these large canisters of nitrous oxide could be bought by Irish shoppers on popular online sites, which is likely contributing to this problem. Our investigative team found it for sale on Amazon and classified ads sites, showcasing just how easy it can be for anyone, including children, to obtain it. The Journal Investigates Reporter: Conor O'Carroll • Editor: Maria Delaney • Social Media: Cliodhna Travers • Main Image Design: Lorcan O'Reilly Investigations like this don't happen without your support... Impactful investigative reporting is powered by people like you. Over 5,000 readers have already supported our mission with a monthly or one-off payment. Join them here: Support The Journal
Dublin Live
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Dublin Live
Dublin driving test centre reaches 'disgraceful' 43-week wait
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Learner drivers are currently facing a 43-week wait for a test in Tallaght. As of the end of April, the backlog at the test centre had risen to 20,442. This is up 1,555 from the end of 2024. The waiting time for a test at the centre is now 43 weeks, compared to 26 at the end of last year. Sinn Féin TD Mark Ward said the waiting times are "shocking" and "disgraceful". "This is far beyond the statutory minimum of 10 weeks," he said. 'It is unacceptable that waiting times have been allowed to increase so much over such a short period of time. 'I have repeatedly raised this issue with government calling for an additional driving test centre to be opened in South Dublin. Even though the RSA have said that they will be placing a new test centre in South Dublin , there is no urgency. 'In February Sinn Féin brought forward a Private Member's Bill, offering a range of measures to tackle the huge backlog. While the government did not oppose our motion, they certainly have ignored it ever since allowing waiting times and numbers to skyrocket." Mr Ward said there needs to be "urgency from both the government and the RSA" on the issue. "People rely on being able to drive for their education, employment, access to healthcare and everything in between," he said. 'I am calling on the government to urgently implement Sinn Féin's proposals which include increased resourcing to meet demand, expediting and increasing the recruitment of driving test instructors, and plugging the gaps in driving test centre locations. 'The government has a long way to go to getting this right. The new test centre in South Dublin will be much needed step in the right direction.' Dublin Live has contacted the Road Safety Authority for comment. Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
