UPDATE: Dublin City Council has just voted to increase the Local Property Tax (LPT) by a substantial 15%, a decision that will remain in effect until 2029. This significant change comes as the council aims to restore the tax to its base rate for the rest of the council term, a shift from its previous trend of reducing it to the maximum allowable amount.

This decision has immediate implications for Dublin residents, with some households facing potential hikes of up to 34% due to the combination of this tax increase and a nationwide re-evaluation of LPT bands set to occur in November 2023. Labour Councillor Darragh Moriarty emphasized the need for this increase, claiming it will generate an additional €65 million in funding for essential city services and infrastructure improvements.

“This is a progressive decision that puts Dubliners first,” Cllr. Moriarty stated. “The extra €65 million will be put to real use, particularly in improving standards in our social housing and addressing chronic issues like vacancy and dereliction. Families in my area live in unacceptable conditions, and this funding will help us tackle those problems directly.”

Moriarty also announced plans to establish a revolving fund aimed at addressing the issues of vacancy and dereliction within the city. He pointed out that it is senseless for buildings to remain empty while residents struggle to find adequate housing. “With this new fund, we can take real action—bringing homes and spaces back into use,” he added.

In a surprising turn, the proposal from the opposition party, Sinn Féin, to cut the LPT by the maximum allowable amount was defeated. Sinn Féin group leader, Cllr. Daithí Doolan, criticized the decision, labeling the coalition of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, the Green Party, Labour Party, and Social Democrats as an “unholy alliance” that has neglected the needs of Dublin families.

“This increase will place an additional burden on households already struggling to make ends meet,” Doolan stated. He vowed that Sinn Féin would continue to fight against what they deem an unfair tax that does not consider income or ability to pay.

As Dublin residents brace for the effects of this tax hike, the council’s decision highlights the balancing act between generating necessary revenue for public services and the financial strain on everyday citizens. As the situation develops, all eyes will be on how the increased funding will be utilized and the broader implications for housing conditions in the Irish capital.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.

UPDATE: Rory McIlroy is set to challenge for the title at The Open Championship after a solid performance today in Portrush. Following a two-under round of 69, he heads into the weekend in a tie for 12th place, just five shots behind leader Brian Harman, who dominated the course with a flawless 65.

As McIlroy walked off the eighth tee, fans were buzzing with excitement, hoping to see him finish strong. “It was a good day,” McIlroy stated after his round, acknowledging he could have been closer to the lead. His improvement from 2019, when he failed to make the cut, is notable; he expressed gratitude for being in contention this time around.

Today’s conditions were ideal—dry and sunny—allowing for low scoring. McIlroy started with a birdie but encountered challenges, including a penalty drop on the second hole. Despite bogeying the third, he rallied with a bounce-back birdie on the fourth. As he navigated the demanding course, McIlroy made critical birdies on the 12th and the tough 14th hole.

“This golf course is very demanding. It’s quite visually intimidating off the tee,” McIlroy said, reflecting on the challenges ahead.

McIlroy’s push to reclaim top form comes as he aims for a breakthrough weekend. He emphasized the need to control his game more effectively, stating, “I know what I need to do to get the best out of myself.”

Meanwhile, Harman leads the pack with a commanding performance, showcasing his adaptability to links golf. “I just enjoy the creativity and trying to think your way around,” he said, setting the stage for an exciting weekend showdown.

Other competitors are also making their moves. Bryson DeChambeau bounced back from a disappointing 78 yesterday to shoot a stunning 65 today, while Robert MacIntyre impressed with a 66, placing him firmly in the top five. “I’m not going to back away,” MacIntyre declared, ready to seize opportunities as the tournament progresses.

As the weekend approaches, all eyes will be on McIlroy. His desire to capture the Claret Jug at home resonates deeply with fans. “I count myself very grateful and very lucky that I’m in this position,” he remarked, reflecting on his journey back to Portrush after two decades.

Tomorrow’s play is critical, with McIlroy needing to capitalize on the favorable conditions to close the gap on the leaders. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if he can harness the energy from the crowd and deliver a standout performance. Will McIlroy rise to the occasion and join the hunt for the championship? The excitement builds as the tournament heats up!

UPDATE: A man has been sentenced to four years in prison for sexually abusing his three-year-old cousin. Darren Dowling, 48, from Palace Flats, Palace Close, St Saviour, Jersey, was convicted of multiple counts of oral rape and indecent assault following a trial that concluded on July 12, 2024.

This urgent case has attracted significant attention due to the nature of the crimes and the age of the victim, Alan Murphy, who has waived his anonymity to bring Dowling’s actions to light. The abuse occurred repeatedly between 1990 and 1993 at a location in Clondalkin, when Murphy was just a child.

During the trial at the Central Criminal Court, it was revealed that Dowling, who was aged between 13 and 16 at the time of the offenses, exploited his position of trust while babysitting Murphy and his brother. The court heard harrowing details of how Dowling would take Murphy to the bathroom, close the door, and sexually abuse him, with incidents lasting between 10 and 15 minutes. Murphy’s brother testified that he often heard his sibling crying after these encounters.

Mr. Justice Paul Burns emphasized the profound impact of Dowling’s actions on Murphy’s life, noting that the abuse led to serious behavioral issues and a struggle with alcohol and drug addiction as a teenager. “He is rightly proud of himself for seeing it through, and the court hopes that with further intervention and support from his loving family, he will continue to recover,” Justice Burns stated.

In a victim impact statement, Murphy expressed the emotional toll the abuse took on him, saying, “I never understood the effect the abuse had on me until I gave up drinking and drugs.” He emphasized the importance of speaking out, stating, “I want my boys to know never to be afraid to tell the truth.”

Dowling’s prior convictions were also discussed in court, including a nine-month sentence for engaging in inappropriate communication with an undercover police officer regarding a 10-month-old child. This troubling history raised concerns about Dowling’s character and the need for public awareness.

The sentence was adjusted from a headline term of 13 years for oral rapes and eight years for indecent assault to a total of four years in custody, considering Dowling’s age at the time of the offenses. The final year of his sentence was suspended under strict conditions, including mandatory engagement with probation services upon release.

This case has been closely followed due to its implications on the justice system regarding the prosecution of historic sexual offenses. Murphy’s bravery in coming forward has sparked conversations about the importance of victim support and the need for systemic changes to protect the most vulnerable.

As the case progresses, further developments are expected regarding the implications of naming juvenile offenders once they reach adulthood. The court has adjourned for future mentions, signaling that this story is far from over and could impact similar cases in the future.

This urgent update serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight against child abuse and the necessity for victims to have their voices heard. The community is urged to remain vigilant and supportive of those affected by such heinous acts.

URGENT UPDATE: Highland Motors has just announced a swift change to their vehicle colors, aligning with the Donegal Men’s Senior Football team’s new look ahead of the 2023 GAA Final this weekend. The dealership, a proud supporter of the team, is now showcasing their Renault 5 cars in stunning white and green to cheer on the players as they prepare for the championship showdown.

Last week, Highland Motors decked out their fleet in the traditional Donegal yellow and green for the semi-finals. However, with GAA HQ’s recent decision to adopt white and green for the final, Highland Motors has quickly adapted to keep pace with the team’s spirit.

“So come on Donegal!” they urged, encouraging fans to spot their vibrant Renault 5s on the roads. Motorists are invited to give a honk in support when they see the cars zooming around. The excitement is palpable as the community rallies together in anticipation of the big game.

Highland Motors is located at Mountain Top, Letterkenny, and invites local fans to visit and see the newly adorned cars. For inquiries, they can be reached at 074 9128777.

This enthusiastic show of support is not just about colors; it’s a testament to the community’s pride and unity as they gear up for a crucial match. With the final set for this weekend of October 7, 2023, anticipation is building for the arrival of Sam Maguire back to the hills of Donegal.

Stay tuned for more updates as the final approaches, and make sure to join Highland Motors in celebrating the team’s journey!