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Strict Irish COVID-19 Curbs Put 85,000 People Temporarily Out of Work

A warning information notice is seen affixed to a town signpost indicating social distancing guidelines to comply with the government's highest level of lockdown restrictions, Level 5, as the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak continues in Foxford, Ireland, October 28, 2020. REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne
A warning information notice is seen affixed to a town signpost indicating social distancing guidelines to comply with the government's highest level of lockdown restrictions, Level 5, as the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak continues in Foxford, Ireland, October 28, 2020. REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne
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Strict Irish COVID-19 Curbs Put 85,000 People Temporarily Out of Work

A warning information notice is seen affixed to a town signpost indicating social distancing guidelines to comply with the government's highest level of lockdown restrictions, Level 5, as the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak continues in Foxford, Ireland, October 28, 2020. REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne
A warning information notice is seen affixed to a town signpost indicating social distancing guidelines to comply with the government's highest level of lockdown restrictions, Level 5, as the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak continues in Foxford, Ireland, October 28, 2020. REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne

Around 85,000 more people have claimed temporary COVID-19 jobless benefits since Ireland moved to the highest level of restrictions to fight the virus two weeks ago, fewer so far than the 150,000 estimated by government, data showed on Tuesday.

The limiting of restaurants to takeaway service and closure of non-essential retail pushed claims to almost 330,000 from 244,153 before the six-week measures were introduced on Oct. 22, far below a peak of 600,000 during a stricter lockdown in May.

Recipients of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) have been on the rise since falling to a post-lockdown low of 205,000 at the start of October and are set to increase the unemployment rate to around 20% from 14.7% at the end of September.

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Saudi Ministry of Environment Issues First License for Aeroponics Agriculture in the Middle East

Saudi Ministry of Environment Issues First License for Aeroponics Agriculture in the Middle East
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Saudi Ministry of Environment Issues First License for Aeroponics Agriculture in the Middle East

Saudi Ministry of Environment Issues First License for Aeroponics Agriculture in the Middle East

The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture issued the first operational license for a commercial agricultural project utilizing aeroponics in the Middle East, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Saturday.

The project aims to contribute significantly to the local market's agricultural needs through sustainable production.

The Ministry's Undersecretary for Agriculture, Eng Ahmad Al-Ayada, made the announcement during a ceremony attended by representatives of a coalition local and international companies: Tamimi Markets Group from Saudi Arabia, Mitsui Group from Japan, and Zero Group from Italy.

Through the Green Dunes Company, the coalition will come up with modern agricultural solutions powered by cutting-edge technologies and AI. These efforts align with the Kingdom's National Agriculture Strategy and the broader goals of Vision 2030, which aim to build a sustainable agricultural future.

According to the ministry, the project's first phase has been completed. It entailed the establishment of an aeroponics farm to produce various vegetable varieties. The method is noted for its efficiency, as it reduces water consumption by 95% compared to traditional farming techniques and enables year-round productivity.

The project integrates AI and automation at all production stages, employing advanced monitoring systems and performance indicators to optimize output.