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WE WILL ADMIT that we had to call the Department of Justice to ensure that the statement reproduced below was genuine.
The Minister for Justice, Alan Shatter, says he has made arrangements that Apple be immediately informed of an error in the maps application in the latest version of the iPhone and iPad operating system – which incorrectly locates an airport in South Dublin.
As we noted last night, the new Apple Maps software – which replaces the Google Maps app that had previously been installed by default on all iPad and iPhone devices – takes an unfortunately literal interpretation of the placename ‘Airfield Park’.
“There are a variety of possible alternative images that could be utilised such a cow, a goat, a sheep, a flower or any indeed other type of plant as Airfield operates a nursery,” Shatter says in the statement, which is reproduced in full below.
An aircraft is an entirely inappropriate flight of imagination.
The 35-acre estate, which is currently closed for renovation, is incorrectly attributed as if it was an actual airport.
Shatter – whose Dublin South constituency includes the erroneous airport – says the designation poses a major safety concern, as the Apple Maps app could be used by pilots who are unfamiliar with the area in the case of emergency.
Given that the area houses a fully-functioning farm, the minister has some other icons which could be better used.
Here’s the statement in full:
I want to acknowledge the value of online map applications and the assistance they give to the general public. I know on occasion mistakes can be made and I am surprised to discover that Airfield, which is in the centre of my constituency in Dundrum, has, in Apple’s new operating system iOS 6 maps application, been designated with the image of an aircraft. Airfield, a 35 acre estate with working farm, formal gardens and café is of course a famous and immensely popular, important local amenity. Clearly the designation is not only wrong but is dangerously misleading in that it could result in a pilot, unfamiliar with the area, in an emergency situation and without other available information, attempting a landing. I have arranged that Apple be informed of the error and requested that it be urgently corrected. In context of Airfield there are a variety of possible alternative images that could be utilised such a cow, a goat, a sheep, a flower or any indeed other type of plant as Airfield operates a nursery. An aircraft is an entirely inappropriate flight of imagination.
I’m sure lots of people throw a bet for a bit of fun. But, I can’t help but think that lots of people are going without the basics to keep Paddy in €69 million profit.
Great to see the UK and Irish governments indirectly helping out paddy power in the form of dole payments!
its insane that we see more of these shops up and down the country at the one time that people should not be wasting money on such nonsense,
either these types of shops should be more heavily restricted or there has to be a way to restrict how dole money can be spent…because betting is not an acceptable use!
I’ll waste my money on whatever nonsense I want.
Why should the shops be restricted!?! It’s a person’s own decision to go in there & bet their money!! If it turns out that the money being punted originated as a welfare payment then more-fool us, as a state, for giving it to them!!
The Chinese love to gamble even though it is illegal in Mainland China. The Chinese population in Ireland will keep Paddy Power afloat : )
They don’t need the chinese to help em, we’re not shy of a bet or two. But your right the chinese and a few more Asian countries have the gambling gene big style..
getting into bed with the Italian and Spanish governments to rip-off punters in those countries was a solid business move.
banning or severely limiting anyone who turns a profit also helps.
they’re a mickey mouse bookie really. All style, no substance.
No substance ? I bought some of their shares 18 months ago at €27 each, today they’re worth €52 each, I’ve nearly doubled my money on them so for me they have plenty of substance to go with their style. Paddy Power are one of the most profitable Irish companies about and if they manage to crack the US and Canadian markets that share price will go even higher up towards €70.
And you don’t know what you’re talking about Steve.
I don’t dispute their business acumen. They provide a lot of jobs here and I applaud them for it.
But their success is based on clever marketing and the ability to attract the casual punter that doesn’t particularly care about things like low limits and lousy margins, in contrast to somewhere like Pinnacle where competitiveness pricing and limits are everything.
Paddy Power is not a place for serious punters and any book that offers odds on a market and then only allows a customer to place less than a tenner on it is Mickey Mouse in my book.
And I can assure you I know what I’m talking about.
have your say