Blinded by the lightSOLAS. That sounds familiar, doesn't it? The Fás rebrand that stands for Seirbhísí Oideachais Leanúnaigh agus Scileanna also handily translates as the Irish for light. And, for some reason, it's probably the most overused Irish term around, appropriated whenever anyone wants to name anything from companies to bars, bands to counselling services.
When Belinda McKeon tweeted yesterday, “I hope you all like the little publicity stunt I cooked up with Fás this week. *evil laugh*,” she was referring to her debut novel Solace, but her remark also pointed out the ubiquity of the word. Its all-encompassing benignity has helped “solas” become a catch-all name. So what else is called solas and when will its reign end?
The top-10 non-governmental Solas-related things
Solus light bulbs: The brand made famous when its factory became the setting of Biddy’s workplace in Glenroe.
Solas Bar and Restaurant: Located on Wexford Street in Dublin, they do a free barbecue on Friday evenings.
Solas Centre: A cancer support centre for patients and their families in Wexford.
Solas: An Irish-American Celtic band who released their 10th album, Turning The Tide, last year.
Solas Financial: “Supporting the serious trader and investor”, Delivers trading and investor training services in dedicated facilities in Cork and Dublin.
Solas: Safety Of Life At Sea, an international maritime safety treaty.
Solas FM: A Christian station “whose mission is to inform and entertain people of Dublin by spreading Good News of Jesus”.
Solas Consulting Group: IT recruitment specialists based in Dublin 2.
Solas Art Gallery: An artist-led gallery space in Ballinmore, Co Leitrim.
Solas Spa: Located at the Radisson Blu hotel in Sligo. Don’t look at their website – it will make you want to go immediately.
Passengers are requested not to giggle loudly when using the slide
COMMUTING is one of the most boring elements of modern urban life, but in the Netherlands, workers at a renovated train station in Utrecht are injecting some fun into the daily grind. Designers of Overvecht Station have installed a slide alongside the station’s steps, allowing passengers in a hurry to bypass any congested foot traffic, and also have a bit of a laugh.
Irish public transport gurus take note. Shouldn’t we be utilising playground equipment on our transport links to introduce some much-needed joviality into the daily commute? In case the people who make such decisions are reading, here are some suggestions.
Zip-line Luas line connectorSolving the oft-complained about problem regarding the lack of a line connecting the red and green Luas lines, a simple zip line rigged at the St Stephen's Green shopping centre dome and ending (abruptly) at the Spire on O'Connell St would provide quick and exhilarating access to the Abbey Street Luas stop.
Connolly to Heuston LugeSuspended over the Liffey, a giant steel luge, modelled on the one at the Great Wall of China which has become a huge tourist attraction, could transport commuters from Heuston train station to Connolly station in a matter of minutes. Arriving at the IFSC, passengers could then make their way to Connolly Station on foot while fixing their hair.
Dart monkey barsFinding it hard to move down the carriage to make space for other passengers in the morning? Monkey bars installed along the Dart ceiling would allow commuters to rapidly move into the aisles, creating extra space at the doors for squished train-riders. They would also give everyone great biceps.
Bus merry-go-roundRemove the argy-bargy of people trying to shove each other out of the way as they get on and off buses by installing a mini merry-go-round at each door. Passengers are simply twirled on and off the bus, providing slight amusement and also ensuring a boom in jobs in the insurance and compensation sector
