Yesterday we received the sad news that Sylvia Meehan had passed away. Sylvia was the first Chief Executive of the Employment Equality Agency and a long-standing campaigner for the rights of women and older people. Tributes to Sylvia yesterday included a statement by President Michael D Higgins.

Sylvia is survived by her five children, including our Fórsa colleague John, and a wide circle of family and friends. We extend our sincere condolences to John and the wider Meehan family at this sad time.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.

News

The Irish Times is reporting a major expansion is planned for Dublin Airport, with the DAA to invest €900m in piers and stands, with another €320m earmarked for a new runway.

Bus fares are set to rise for some customers under the BusConnects scheme, with commuters using the €2.15 fare set for a price increase as the NTA are planning a flat fare as part of the new scheme.

The Examiner is reporting that councils may lose power over their housing response. It says the Housing Minister has written to three of Dublin’s four council’s threatening to remove some of their powers if they do not act immediately tackle the homelessness crisis.

Today FM report a number of groups, including Fórsa, ICTU and the USI have pledged to support the 'Raise The Roof' Campaign. The campaign, which urges action on the housing crisis was launched yesterday. You can also find more information here.

Finally, today's zen is a new song from Hozier's first EP for four years, the release of which coincided with two sold out shows in the Academy on Wednesday and Thursday, with all proceeds from the gigs are going to Safe Ireland, One In Four, and the Peter McVerry Trust.