UPDATE: Donegal County Council is facing urgent calls to create a comprehensive database of vulnerable homeowners living in defective concrete block (DCB) homes. This initiative, proposed by Cllr Joy Beard during a meeting of the council’s Defective Blocks Committee on July 17, 2025, comes in response to recent severe weather events and aims to safeguard at-risk individuals.

Cllr Beard emphasized the pressing need for action, stating that lessons learned from Storm Eowyn highlight the necessity for immediate preparedness. She urged the council to establish a reliable system to identify and reach out to these vulnerable homeowners, ensuring they receive timely assistance and information about their options during emergencies.

“The time to act is now,” Cllr Beard declared, stressing that the council must have the infrastructure in place to support those most at risk, especially in the face of unpredictable weather patterns.

This proposed database aims to not only track vulnerable individuals but also to facilitate effective communication during critical situations, potentially saving lives in future storms. The call for action reflects a growing concern over the safety of homeowners living in DCB houses, which have been linked to structural issues and deterioration.

As severe weather events become more frequent, the need for proactive measures has never been more crucial. Residents and local advocates are urged to support this initiative, as it could serve as a lifeline for those in perilous living conditions.

Next steps include discussions among council members and stakeholders to finalize plans for the database. The community is encouraged to stay informed and involved as developments unfold.

With the threat of severe weather looming, the urgency of this proposal cannot be overstated. Authorities and residents alike must unite to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected by DCB homes.

UPDATE: Consultations are now underway in Monaghan regarding the preferred route for the significant N2 road improvements, as officials from Monaghan County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland unveil an initial design for the stretch from Clontibret to the Border. This critical development comes as affected landowners have been alerted about potentially significant impacts on their properties.

Just announced, the consultations follow a series of meetings with approximately 260 directly impacted landowners that began in March. Facing potential disruptions, many landowners are grappling with the emotional weight of the project’s implications on their lives and livelihoods.

This month, a series of community meetings are being held to gather feedback on the proposed design. Stakeholders can now access an interactive map detailing the new road layout, including interchanges, junctions, and side roads. This map is available on the project’s official website, making it easier for the public to visualize the changes.

Over the upcoming months, the N2 Project Team will carefully consider feedback from landowners and the community to refine the initial design. An Environmental Impact Assessment Report and necessary Compulsory Purchase Order documentation will follow, ensuring all environmental and legal protocols are upheld.

Subject to approvals and funding availability, the council projects that planning and design phases will continue for another five to six years, with construction not expected to commence until after 2030.

Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to share their thoughts and concerns with the N2 Project Team via email at [email protected] or through the project phoneline at 087 340 3786.

As these consultations progress, the future of transportation infrastructure in Monaghan hinges on community input and government planning. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.

BREAKING: The long-awaited mass exhumation of 800 infants from the former Mother and Baby Home in Tuam, Ireland, has officially commenced, marking a significant moment for survivors and campaigners who have fought for justice over the past decade. This urgent operation began on October 12, 2023, following years of advocacy and pressure on authorities to address the tragic history of the site.

The exhumation follows a 2014 investigation which revealed the grim discovery of remains in a disused septic tank, sparking national outrage and calls for accountability. The Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes has been pivotal in uncovering the distressing truth surrounding the treatment of mothers and their children in these facilities, and now, as the process begins, it signifies a crucial step towards acknowledging these injustices.

Authorities confirm that the exhumation is expected to take several months, as specialized teams work meticulously to recover the remains. This process not only aims to identify the deceased but also to provide closure for families still seeking answers about their lost loved ones. Campaigners, including survivors who endured unimaginable hardships, are hopeful yet aware that their battle for justice is far from over.

Why This Matters Now: The exhumation is a watershed moment for Ireland, highlighting the country’s painful past regarding child welfare and maternal care. It serves as a reminder of the systemic failures that allowed such tragedies to occur. The emotional toll on survivors and their families is immense, with many expressing a desperate need for recognition and reconciliation.

As the exhumation unfolds, the focus will inevitably shift to the broader implications of these findings. What will the forensic investigations reveal? How will this impact ongoing discussions about accountability for those involved in the administration of these homes? Survivors and advocates are poised to continue their fight for justice, demanding not only recognition for the deceased but also reforms to ensure such atrocities are never repeated.

In the coming weeks, as more details emerge from this operation, the public is urged to stay informed and engaged. This is a developing story that resonates deeply with individuals and communities affected by the historical treatment of mothers and children in Ireland.

Stay tuned for updates on this critical issue as the situation evolves. The fight for justice continues, and the eyes of the world are on Tuam.

UPDATE: On the eighth anniversary of the tragic discovery of Linda Evans Christian‘s body, authorities are urgently appealing for information regarding her murder. Linda was last seen on June 24, 2017, at around 9:00 AM, leaving the Ash Ward of James Connolly Memorial Hospital in Blanchardstown. She was reported missing just a week later, on July 1, 2017, and her body was found in Coolmine Woods on July 17, 2017.

Despite extensive investigations by An Garda Síochána, including the arrest of a man in 2018, no one has been brought to justice for Linda’s murder. This renewed appeal aims to gather new evidence and insights into her tragic death. Family members and investigators are urging anyone with information—no matter how small—to come forward.

A Garda spokesman stated,

“An Garda Síochána would encourage anyone with any information regarding Linda’s disappearance and murder, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to make contact with the investigation team.”

They emphasize the importance of understanding Linda’s movements around Coolmine Woods during the time of her disappearance.

The passage of time may make potential witnesses feel more comfortable sharing what they know. Authorities assure that all information will be treated sensitively.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Blanchardstown Garda Station at 01 666 7000, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any local Garda Station.

This is an urgent call to the public: your information could be crucial in seeking justice for Linda Evans Christian. Share this story widely to help renew attention on this unresolved case. For the latest updates on this developing story, stay tuned.