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‘Emergency’ must be redefined to progress flood and housing works

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galway daily news Ballinasloe flood relief scheme

Independent local TD Seán Canney has called on the Government to redefine the meaning of ‘an emergency’ to allow certain works to proceed without undue delay during the planning stage.

He said that we have witnessed the damage caused by flooding over the last number of weeks and the devastation that it causes to properties, farms, roads, and the environment.

He also referenced the housing emergency, but said that we are still battling with the multitude of rules regulations and EU directives whilst people are homeless and young people cannot access affordable housing.

“Projects are being delayed but if we redefine flooding and housing as emergencies then we can get on with the works in the interest of the common good,” said Deputy Canney.

“We see first hand the damages that have been foisted on the Shannon callows because of ongoing summer flooding and the disappearance of so much wildlife, yet we seem to be handcuffed to rules and the Habitats Directives which are counterproductive and are destroying nature instead of protecting it.”

The Independent TD said that there is no action to rectify the problems even though the solutions are staring us in the face.

“I see first hand the inability of State Agencies, Government Departments and Local Authorities to progress flood relief measures and housing projects and millions of taxpayer’s money is spent years trying to overcome the many challenges put in place as a direct result of the EU Directives and Climate Action Plans,” he said.

“The Government have an opportunity to define an emergency to include flooding, housing and health facilities in the new planning legislation being introduced to ensure that we can effectively and speedily protect our people, property, and our environment.”

Digital Nomad Lifestyle: Why more Americans are choosing Europe as their remote workspace

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In recent years, there has been a significant shift in the work culture globally, with more individuals embracing the digital nomad lifestyle. This trend is particularly noticeable among Americans who are increasingly choosing Europe as their base for long-term travel and remote work. This lifestyle change not only offers a blend of adventure and professional development but also necessitates a new approach to travel planning, including the crucial aspect of obtaining insurance for long term travel.

Europe, with its rich history, diverse cultures, and modern amenities, has become a hotspot for digital nomads from the United States. The concept of being a digital nomad in Europe is appealing for several reasons. Firstly, the continent’s well-established infrastructure for remote work, including high-speed internet and co-working spaces, makes it an ideal destination for professionals who rely on digital connectivity. Additionally, the varied landscapes, from the sun-kissed Mediterranean coasts to the historic cities of Central Europe, provide an ever-changing backdrop for those seeking inspiration and a change of pace from the traditional office environment.

One of the key considerations for Americans embracing this lifestyle is understanding the importance of insurance for long-term travel. Traveling for extended periods brings its own set of challenges and uncertainties. From health emergencies to travel disruptions, having a robust insurance plan is essential for peace of mind. Companies like HeyMondo offer specialized insurance plans tailored for long-term travelers and digital nomads, ensuring that they are covered for a wide range of eventualities.

For those considering the digital nomad lifestyle in Europe, choosing the right destination is crucial. Berlin, Barcelona, and Lisbon stand out as top picks for digital nomad Europe, attracting them with their lively cultural atmospheres, reasonable living expenses, and communities that are notably supportive of the digital nomad lifestyle. Each city offers a unique experience, from Berlin’s dynamic art scene to Lisbon’s historic charm and Barcelona’s beachside cafes. 

The allure of the digital nomad lifestyle lies in the balance between work and exploration. Living in Europe allows individuals to immerse themselves in different cultures, learn new languages, and experience a lifestyle vastly different from the American way of life. However, it’s important to maintain a disciplined work routine to ensure productivity is not compromised. Many digital nomads find that setting a structured schedule and utilizing co-working spaces helps in maintaining this balance.

An often-overlooked aspect of the digital nomad lifestyle is the importance of community and networking. Europe’s digital nomad scene is thriving, with numerous events, meetups, and online forums where individuals can connect, share experiences, and collaborate on projects. This sense of community is invaluable for those seeking to expand their professional network and social circle while living abroad.

The growing trend of Americans opting to embrace the digital nomad life in Europe transcends a mere temporary shift; it reflects a profound transformation in work and lifestyle paradigms characteristic of the 21st century. With the right preparation, including securing comprehensive insurance for long-term travel, and an open mind, the digital nomad lifestyle offers an enriching and fulfilling experience. Europe, with its blend of history, culture, and modern amenities, continues to be a beacon for those seeking to redefine the boundaries between work and travel.

Navigating the Markets: A Comprehensive Guide to Trading and Investing

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galway daily news

Introduction

Thinking about growing your capital through investment but the stock market’s shifting making you dizzy? Hold your breath no more! This guide will serve as your torch, illuminating your path to traverse the trading and investing landscape confidently.

Understanding the Markets

What is Trading?

In the grand scheme of financial strategies, trading is akin to a high-adrenaline, strategic chess game. It’s a vibrant world where players, or traders, make quick decisions based on price fluctuations within short time frames. Even though some strategies don’t require performing daily trades, market trends are usually short and changing fast, so traders aim to capitalize on them. It’s thrilling, but remember, it requires astute judgment and a well-thought-out strategy.

What is Investing?

Investing is more like a seed-planting exercise if we continue with our game analogy. You select the right seed, plant it, and patiently nurture it to grow into a tree over time. Investing focuses on the long-term perspective. It involves buying assets such as stocks, bonds, or real estate, anticipating their appreciation over time, resulting in a profit.

Preparing for the Market Journey

Analyzing the Market

As you’d prepare for a trek by studying the terrain and understanding the weather, market analysis is a pivotal part of your preparation. It helps you navigate the complex world of trading and investing. There are two main types of analysis: fundamental and technical. Fundamental analysis is like understanding the ecosystem’s health; it focuses on the company’s intrinsic value. On the other hand, technical analysis is akin to observing the terrain’s patterns; it involves the study of statistical trends such as price movements and volume.

Building Your Portfolio

Just as a balanced diet is essential for a trek, creating a diversified portfolio is crucial for your financial journey. A well-balanced portfolio spreads out the risk and optimizes potential returns. It involves investing in a mix of different assets that react differently to the same economic event. It’s like packing warm clothes and rain gear for your trek — you’re ready for multiple outcomes.

Understanding Risks

In any journey, there are risks, and understanding these risks helps you prepare better. Just as you’d qualify for weather changes on a trek in trading and investing, you must understand and prepare for market volatility, inflation, and interest rate fluctuations. An informed decision is always a better decision.

Guide to Trading

Basic Types of Trades

In the world of trading, there are different paths you can take. Some traders choose day trading, which involves buying and selling assets within a day. Others prefer swing trading, where trades last from a day to a week. Each approach has advantages and challenges, like choosing between a smooth path or a challenging climb on a trek.

Advanced Trading Strategies

As high-tech trekking gear can improve your hiking experience, advanced trading strategies can help seasoned traders navigate complex market terrains. Techniques such as scalping, which involves profiting from small price changes, and position trading, where you hold a position for the long term, are often used.

Tips for Successful Trading

Successful trading isn’t just about selecting the right strategy. It’s also about maintaining discipline, staying informed about market changes, managing risk, and, most importantly, not letting emotions dictate your decisions. It’s akin to staying hydrated, keeping your backpack light, and preserving your energy on a long trek.

Embracing Competition in Trading

Competitive Spirit in Trading

Much like how competition adds a thrilling element to sports, it can also bring an exciting dynamic to trading. Competing with fellow traders and trying to outperform the market can stimulate innovation and prompt traders to hone their skills.

Understanding the Concept of Competition Trading

The concept of competition trading involves multiple traders vying against each other in a specific timeframe. Sometimes, you can participate in a contest hosted by an exchange for money prizes. Like a sprint race, each participant aims to get the highest return on their trades within the competition duration. It provides an adrenaline rush, much like a race, but remember, it also requires strategy and quick decision-making skills. For competition trading you can always use CEX.IO to do the exchanging of cryptocurrencies in USA

Pros and Cons of Competition Trading

While competition trading can be exhilarating, it is not devoid of challenges. On the positive side, it encourages learning, strategizing, and risk-taking. It’s a way to test your abilities under pressure and potentially reap substantial rewards. Conversely, competition can sometimes lead to hasty decisions and excessive risk-taking. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain balance and not let the thrill of the competition cloud your judgment.

Strategies for Successful Competition Trading

One needs a robust strategy to succeed in competition trading, much like planning for a long, challenging hike. Stay informed about market trends, be quick, and always have a risk management plan. And remember, while winning is the goal, learning is equally, if not more, valuable.

Guide to Investing

  • Long-Term Investing Strategies

Strategies such as buy-and-hold and dollar-cost averaging are the equivalent of setting a steady pace for a long journey. They focus on building wealth gradually and don’t get deterred by short-term market fluctuations.

  • The Power of Compound Interest

In investing, compound interest is the snowball effect at its finest. The process where your interest earns interest can lead to exponential investment growth over time. It’s like a snowball rolling down a hill, gathering more snow and growing larger with every roll.

  • Investing in Different Asset Classes

Different terrains offer varied experiences on your journey, but other asset classes offer unique opportunities. From the high peaks of stocks and the steady plains of bonds to the tangible expanse of real estate and the diverse landscapes of commodities, each brings unique opportunities and risks.

Keeping Up with Market Trends

Monitoring market trends is akin to watching the weather during your trek. It can be a sunny, bullish uptrend or a stormy, bearish downtrend; recognizing these patterns can inform your investment and trading decisions.

Strategies like the moving average and the relative strength index are tools to identify trends. It’s like learning to read the wind direction or interpreting cloud formations to predict the weather.

Conclusion

Like a map to a seasoned explorer, understanding the tools and strategies to navigate the markets is crucial for a trader or investor. Whether you find excitement in the fast-paced world of trading or prefer the steady and strategic path of long-term investing, this guide serves as your compass. Always remember every journey begins with a single step.

Expressions of interest welcome for Eyre Square kiosk

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galway daily news kiosk eyre square

Galway City Council is inviting expressions of interest for the kiosk at Eyre Square until next week.

The council is looking for proposals that benefit Galway and have a positive impact on economic and tourism development.

The new tenants will need to provide investment to bring the facility to operational level and show that they can operate the kiosk for a defined period under a rental agreement.

Expressions of Interest are to be submitted by email to candc@galwaycity.ie to the Economic Development section of Galway City Council on or before 30 November 2023.

The contact will be issued for an initial 11 months, with the option for additional months.

Interested parties can find more information here.

€6 million allocated to Galway universities to make “important changes”

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Galway Daily news Petition against 4% rent hike at NUIG garners over 1,000 signatures

Galway’s two universities will benefit from €40 million announced today for college campuses across the country.

University of Galway is set to receive €2.5 million in funding, while ATU will receive €4.1 million to allow for a number of important changes across the campuses.

The grant can cover measures to make the college campuses more energy efficient, to undergo health and safety works, or minor upgrade and refurbishment works.

Speaking today, Minister Harris said that the funding will allow universities invest to ensure their capital stock is fit-for-purpose and to operate sustainably.

He said that adequate levels of maintenance are required across the third level sector to prevent deterioration of capital infrastructure and ensure that facilities remain up-to-date, fit for purpose and respond to climate objectives.

The funding is in addition to €40 million provided earlier this year.

Get in the Christmas spirit with St. Nicholas’ Christmas Fayre

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galway daily news st. nicholas' christmas fayre

With the countdown to Christmas getting closer, people will be able to get into the festive spirit with the annual Christmas Fayre in St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church this weekend.

The Christmas Fayre, organised by the parishioners and clergy of St Nicholas’, takes place on Saturday 25 November from 10.30am to 2.30pm.

On sale will be a wide variety of bric-a-brac, baked goods, toys, books, and plants, making the Christmas Fayre the ideal event for finding unique presents, stocking fillers, bargains, and plenty of treats.

The Fayre is very much a day for family fun, so there will be games for children, face painting, and even a visit from Santa Claus himself! Teas and coffees will be on sale and there will also be live music every hour.

It is also a chance to look around this most historic of Galway buildings, and see some of the impressive restoration work which has recently been carried out on the church’s south transept and some of the outer walls.

All are welcome to the Christmas Fayre, and all proceeds from the day will go towards the upkeep of St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church.

Funding announced for 27 Men’s Sheds in Galway

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Galway Daily news Oranmore Men's Shed hammering out new home

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD has announced a new €1 million Fund to support Men’s Sheds across the country.

Grants of up to €3,000 will be provided to 435 Men’s Sheds across the country, including the 27 sheds in Galway.

The funding is designed to assist Men’s Sheds with their running costs such as their heating, electricity utility and insurance bills.

The Minister made the announcement at ‘Shedfest’, the National Conference of the Irish Men’s Sheds Association (IMSA), in Virginia, County Cavan.

Announcing the funding, Minister Humphreys said that the emergence of our Men’s Sheds has been a hugely positive development for communities right across Ireland.

“They help tackle isolation and provide a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment where men of all ages can come together to socialise, share skills and work on meaningful projects,” she said.

“As we enter the winter months, the supports that our Men’s Sheds provide are more important than ever.

“I’m therefore delighted to announce this new €1 million initiative, which will see 435 Men’s Sheds supported with grants of up to €3,000.

“This funding builds on last year’s fund of €800,000 to support Men’s Sheds, and just shows the long term commitment to Men’s Sheds from this government.”

Mayor Eddie Hoare launches Show Me I.D Winter campaign urging vigilance from retail and hospitality sectors

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Ronan Kelly, Barman at Freeney’s Galway  and Mayor of Galway Cllr Eddie Hoare. Photo: Andrew Downes,XPOSURE

Mayor of Galway City Cllr. Eddie Hoare has launched a new campaign urging the hospitality and retail sector to be age responsible this holiday season.

The national ‘Show Me I.D – Be Age OK’ Winter campaign is promoting training to encourage enhanced vigilance among retailers, publicans, and hospitality staff over the busy Christmas and New Year period.

The launch of the campaign took place today at Freeney’s Pub in the Latin Quarter in Galway City.

The Show Me I.D campaign is urging retail and hospitality staff to play an essential part in protecting minors in local communities against the sale of age-restricted products, which include alcohol, lottery tickets plus various tobacco and vaping products.

Coming into the busiest period of the year for the retail and hospitality sector, staff are encouraged to avail of the free training module to ensure they are best prepared to confidently handle potential incidents of non-compliance with the law.

Speaking at the launch of the campaign, Councillor Eddie Hoare said, “As we head into the busy Christmas and New Year period, it is important that retailers, publicans and hospitality staff across the country exercise vigilance and maintain high standards of compliance to ensure age-restricted products are not sold to minors.”

“The sector should be aware that non-compliance with these laws can lead to the loss of one’s licences, along with significant fines.”

The Show Me I.D training module is a useful online resource, which places users into hypothetical situations they are likely to encounter in a retail or hospitality environment.

This include what to do when a minor attempts to purchase any age-restricted product or when an unacceptable form of identification is provided.

Over the course of 2023, the Show Me I.D – Be Age OK training module has been completed by over 1,000 retail staff members across the country, highlighting the usefulness of the module in maintaining high standards of compliance with the law.  

Alongside the launch of the Winter campaign today, retail and hospitality staff can now enter a competition to win a €100 One4All voucher, which they can sign up for after they complete the training course.

Show Me I.D is also encouraging the use of the hashtag #DontFallforFakes over the busy Christmas period to promote vigilance against fake or counterfeit I.Ds that may be used to bypass the strict laws around age-restricted products.

Additional Dog fines will have little effect without more Dog Wardens

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Galway Daily news Additional Dog fines will have little effect without more Dog Wardens

Increasing fines for dog owners who breach laws governing the control of pets will have little effect without the people to enforce them a Galway TD has argued.

Galway East TD Seán Canney said that a massive increase in the number of Dog Wardens is needed to enforce these laws.

The government announced earlier this month that fines would be increasing substantially for a number of offences from December 1.

These will include a €300 fine for a dog not being under effective control, €200 for not having a proper collar or ID, €150 for not having a dog licence, or €300 for having a restricted breed of dog not properly controlled.

There were more than 400 injured after being attacked by a dog in 2022, while the number of prosecutions in relation to those injuries was far lower.

“I understand that we have 20 dog wardens in place in the country where there is a dog population in excess of 500,000,” Seán Canney said.

“This is an insult to the law-abiding citizens and leaves the public in danger of further incidents and risk of permanent injury or death.”

Deputy Canney said that the number of Dog Wardens needs to be increased “tenfold” across all local authorities with immediate effect in order to tackle this problem.

“Enforcement and prevention are key to protect people from being attacked by dogs.
Laws and fines will remain useless if sufficient resources are not put in place”.

Think Less and Think Local for sustainable and chic fashion

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Think Less and Think Local for sustainable and chic fashion
In a move to support local business in a sustainable way, Galway Food Tours’ program of championing local creators is getting people to think local for fashion as well

On November 22, an event showing that less really is more when it comes to building the wardrobe of your dreams will take place in Kindf_olk.

The aim for this get together is to talk and think about creating a practical capsule wardrobe.

PR Consultant and Sustainable Slow Fashion Advocate Lisa Regan will choose staple pieces to take your wardrobe from Autumn to Winter from local sustainable fashion stores Kindf_olk, Aplomb, O’Máille and Public Romance.

Sharing with you all the tips and tricks on combining the staples with items you already have in your wardrobe to create comfortable chic outfits, while embracing your own style!

Of course, a beautiful outfit deserves a delicious glass of wine… so you will finish the evening out showcasing some of the finest low intervention wines.

This will be led by Gosia Letoswka from ‘Side Hustle’ as she will take us on a grape journey to Mosel and will advise on how to pick the perfect wines for the upcoming festive season!

People can enjoy a glass of Pet Nat from Wild Wines or Kombucha from All about Kombucha, Sheridan’s Cheese platters and Delicious Treats from Lán Kitchen.

When: November 22nd 6.30pm-8.30pm in real life www.kindfolkgalway.ie Cost is  €20pp from Eventbrite or check out Galway Food Tours across social media.

Galway’s Aoife Raftery second in Spanish Rally debut

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Galway’s Aoife Raftery second in Spanish Rally debut

Galway’s Aoife Raftery impressed on her Spanish rally debut by taking second in the highly competitive Rally4 class over the weekend.

The Craughwell-based driver entered Saturday’s Rally Ciudad de Pozoblanco, the penultimate round of the Spanish Super Championship.

With the Irish rally season all but over the Craughwell-based driver was keen to expand her international experience. This was her first Spanish event.

The first and so far, only female driver to be selected for the Rally Academy drove the same Peugeot 208 Rally 4 that she used on five rounds of the FIA Junior European Rally Championship this year.

The car is prepared by Irish rally team PCRS Rallysport which is headquartered at Aragón racing circuit near Alcañiz in Spain and an opportunity arose to enter Raftery in the 93-kilometre gravel rally.

 

Raftery and co-driver Hanna McKillop started well by posting fourth-fastest time on the event’s opening stage.

By the day’s second service halt, the Irish crew were up to third place and a solid performance over the closing stages resulted in a second-place finish behind Spanish Junior championship frontrunner Santiago García Paz.

“It was great to get the opportunity to drive on classic Spanish gravel roads,” she said.

“The rally was very well run; we had a problem with dust early in the day but the organisers increased our gap to two minutes. The roads were really fast, but we enjoyed them and it was great to see so many spectators out there.”

Rally Ciudad de Pozoblanco was based in the town of Pozoblanco, in the Andalusian region of southern Spain. The eight-stage rally was the penultimate round of the Spanish Super Rally Championship,

Raftery and McKillop were the only Irish competitors on the entry list that included drivers from Andora, Finland, and a host of locals.

The Impact of Business Internships on College Students’ Career Paths

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An internship plays an essential role in a college student’s career path because it is a practical experience that often shows the way and helps to determine where to move forward. As a rule, it becomes challenging to choose a correct business internship where most of the bases are covered. One should remember that most internship experiences will be quite difficult initially because one has to dive into the practical aspect and learn that theory is not always applied. The trick is to obey and listen best, as you have to collect valuable data and see what practical business methods can be used! 

Impact of Business Internships on Students’ Career Paths 

  • Gaining Team Work Skills. 

One of the main purposes of a business internship is to learn how to work in a team and listen to others. The presence of team skills in a college environment is different from when someone belongs to a team with daily tasks. It is just like following the college professor’s instructions versus trying to write something independently. If writing is challenging, you can pay someone to write an essay and see an example of how business writing should be done. When you have some guidance from the quick essay writer and follow the team spirit, things do get easier! 

  • Understanding Target Objectives. 

The main thing that a business internship helps you learn for your future career is understanding what you are asked for. This part is tricky because you must balance following instructions to the letter and understanding what must be achieved. Since we are dealing with a business field, things always change when you start approaching your objectives. A news event, financial fluctuations, and many other things can force you to change instructions. As you learn, be sure to ask, and always be bold to do so twice! 

  • Dealing With Critical Thinking. 

Since you will have various roles and tasks to complete, you might also hear critical comments and suggestions that will help you improve your work. Take them with a grain of salt, and do not be afraid to analyze and ask questions. If you develop an innovative approach that allows you to do things better, stand for your right! To deliver your message, a masters essay writing service should be considered as a way to keep things accessible and up to the writing and business quality standards. A good presentation is always an essential element! 

  • Conducting Additional Research. 

Going through an internship experience is also an opportunity to do relevant research in your field, as the company may have a lab or a technical platform. Research it before you sign anagreement! You should discuss it with the representative officer and talk to your academic advisor to expand your skills and boost the learning process. It will help you to get a job position in the future as you already show what you can do in terms of research and confidence. 

The Importance of Networking and Showcasing Your Skills

Even before you start with an internship hunt, you have to show that you are not just a college student but an individual with a strong social profile and a place in the network of professionals. You must advertise and show that you already have certain extracurricular experience, additional business certifications, and practical experience. Therefore, you can gain an internship position at a company of your choice as you will remain an interesting candidate for them. Be sure to showcase your skills and promote them accordingly. Do not be too pushy, but show confidence and stay honest about what you can do, remembering your professional and personal limitations! 

BIO

William Fontes is an educator and a business coach passionate about technology and evaluation studies. He loves to write and share helpful tips for college students, teachers, and entrepreneurs as he helps to expand one’s horizons. Follow William to take your ideas to another level and find inspiration as you explore. 

ATU and University of Galway receive over €6 million grant funding

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Galway Daily news Minister Simon Harris announces new investment in ATU Galway campus

Atlantic Technological University and University of Galway have been awarded more than €6 million for improvements to their campuses.

The funding announced by Minister or Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris comes under the Devolved Grant system for campuses improvements.

The grant can cover measures to make the college campuses more energy efficient, to undergo health and safety works, or minor upgrade and refurbishment works.

Atlantic Technological University has been allocated €4,130,600 under the scheme, while the University of Galway will receive €2,554,458.

In total, €40 million is being allocated to seven universities, five Technological Universities, two Institutes of Technology and five other colleges.

“I am really pleased to allocate a further €40 million to our college campuses across the country,” Minister Harris said.

“This will allow universities invest to ensure their capital stock is fit-for-purpose and to operate sustainably.”

“Adequate levels of maintenance are required across the third level sector to prevent deterioration of capital infrastructure and ensure that facilities remain up-to-date, fit for purpose and respond to climate objectives. This funding will allow third level institutes to do that.”

“This Department continues to provide the resources needed to ensure our third level sector can offer the best facilities to its students and its staff. Today is another example of that.”

Ciarán McCaffrey, Head of Capital Programmes in the HEA added, “Today’s announcement of a Devolved Capital Grant of €40 million is very much welcomed for the higher education sector.”

“This grant, which is provided through the HEA, is intended to support Higher Education Institutions in addressing necessary infrastructural improvements while also allowing for energy efficiency and universal access upgrades as well as investments in ICT.”

“This grant supports a range of capital priorities across the sector while at the same time improving the campus experience for students and staff”.

Two men arrested following drugs seizure in Connemara

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Galway Daily news

Gardaí in Galway have arrested two men following raids on three homes in Connemara on Saturday morning.

During the searches, Gardaí seized cocaine worth around €75,000 and quantities of cannabis, as well as a sum of cash.

Two men were arrested in connection with the investigations and are currently detained at a Garda Station in county Galway.

One is detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996 while the second is detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.

The seizure was part of Operation Tara, an enhanced national anti-drugs strategy, which was launched by Garda Commissioner Drew Harris on 2nd July 2021.

National Lottery announces special €1 million Christmas Lotto Raffle top-up prize

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Galway Daily news Lotto player wins €17 million jackpot

The National Lottery has confirmed that it will hold a special ‘Guaranteed to be Won’ €1 million Lotto Plus Raffle event just before Christmas.

This additional €1 million raffle prize will be returned to one lucky winner in the draw taking place on December 23.

The extra draw comes after a player in Monaghan missed the prize claim deadline for a Lotto Plus Raffle prize of €1,000,500 which they won on Saturday, August 19.

This ‘guaranteed to be won’ prize will be added to the Lotto Plus Raffle which typically sees between 60 and 120 winners of €500 in every draw.

The Christmas draw on Saturday, December 23 will see one of these Raffle winners boost their winnings by an additional €1 million.

A National Lottery spokesperson said, “We were incredibly disappointed to see one of our players in Monaghan missing out on a life-changing €1 million prize which was set to make them the 36th National Lottery millionaire of 2023.”

“We are in the business of making millionaires and paying out life-changing prizes to our players. So, we are delighted to announce that this unclaimed prize will be returned to the Lotto Plus Raffle prize fund and one of our Lotto Plus players will officially become a Lotto millionaire just before Christmas.”

Every Lotto player who purchases a ticket with the Lotto Plus option included will be automatically entered into the Lotto Plus Raffle Draw.

For every Lotto Plus line purchased, players get a four-digit Raffle number. Tickets with the Raffle number drawn will win €500.

For the Lotto draw on Saturday, December 23, all Raffle winners will also be entered into a random draw with one player GUARANTEED to win €1 million in addition to the usual €500 prize.

Young Galway filmmakers triumph in ReelLIFE SCIENCE competition

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Galway Daily news Young Galway filmmakers triumph in ReelLIFE SCIENCE competition
ReelLIFE SCIENCE Director Dr Enda O’Connell and SFI Director General Professor Philip Nolan with teacher Brian Ó Meacháin and students from Gaelscoil Riabhach, Loughrea, Co. Galway. Credit - Andrew Downes, XPOSURE

There were three big Galway winners at the latest ReelLIFE SCIENCE video competition celebrating young filmmakers.

The 11th annual ReelLIFE SCIENCE competition took place at the University of Galway as part of Science Week 2023 and the 26th Galway Science and Technology Festival.

More than 400 short science films were entered into the competition created by 2,600 young science enthusiasts in 131 schools and youth groups across the island of Ireland.

1st Place among Primary Schools went to the talented fourth class students of Gaelscoil Riabhach in Loughrea, along with their teacher Brian Ó Meacháin.

The took home the €1,000 top prize for their video ‘Creatha Talún’ explaining earthquakes and visualising volcanoes.

In the special categories awards, the Teamwork Award went to Bullaun National School in Loughrea, and the Science in Real Life Award went to Foróige Eastside Youth Service, Galway.

Winning videos were selected by a panel of guest judges including science communicator and engineer Dr Niamh Shaw; RTÉJr TV presenter and scientist Mark ‘The Science Guy’ Langtry; and the 2023 BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition winners, Liam Carew and Shane O’Connor.

Addressing the finalists at the event via video message, Dr Shaw said, “I have every faith that we have a very healthy future ahead of us because we have a country full of really great science explainers.”

“Never lose that passion that you have to share how you understand science and how you see the world.”

The ReelLIFE SCIENCE programme challenges young people in schools and youth groups across the island of Ireland to engage with science and technology while developing their communication and digital skills, by producing short educational videos for the public.

Since being launched in 2013 by a team of scientists from the University of Galway College of Science and Engineering, this challenge has been met by over 26,000 young people, supported by teachers and staff in 750 schools and youth groups.

ReelLIFE SCIENCE Founding Director Dr Enda O’Connell said: “Congratulations to all the winners, but also to every young person who demonstrated their passion for science and science communication by taking part in ReelLIFE SCIENCE this year.”

“A special word of thanks to all the teachers and youth workers who nurture this passion, and through these videos, engage, inform and inspire the public.”

With prison looming Mack tries to remember the truth in Ros na Rún

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With prison looming Galway Daily television Mack tries to remember the truth in Ros na Rún

Mack is trying to remember the truth to save his skin, tension rise between Sadie and Sorcha, and John Joe continues to lie to O’Shea in Ros na Rún.

Malachaí and Sadie return from their night away to find that they have been robbed, not helping the tensions between her and Sorcha.

O’Shea is on the case, and all the evidence points towards one person. But who is the guilty party?

John Joe continues to deceive O’Shea about how her money is being spent while
Manus urges him to own up to her.

Armed with a box of dodgy tools John Joe insists that himself and Manus can finish the house themselves. In the meantime, Manus has a slip of the tongue and reveals some news to John Joe.

Tadhg insists that Mack help him out with a job rather than moping around all day. However, the pair end up in the warehouse where Sonia had her accident.

Mack is reluctant to explore at first, but something catches his attention. Will this outing help resurface any memories from that night for him?

Desperate to recover the truth about what happened that day, he flirts with making a very dangerous decision when it comes to his bail conditions.

Réailtín decides to seize the day on her nineteenth birthday. She takes the plunge and  invites Manus over for a movie night, but will she get her birthday wish?

Catch up on all the latest drama and intrigue going down in Ros na Rún in a double feature omnibus on TG4 this Sunday at 7:30pm.

HSE urges people to help limit spread of RSV to protect children and newborns

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HSE urges people to help limit spread of RSV to protect children and newborns

The HSE is urging parents to be vigilant as GPs and hospitals report rising numbers of young children affected by respiratory symptoms and viruses, including RSV.

RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a highly contagious respiratory disease, which generally occurs between October and April, with cases peaking in December.

It is the main cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in very young children. Bronchiolitis may lead to breathing and feeding difficulties and can result in hospitalisation.

RSV can also be serious and life-threatening for older adults, individuals with weak immune systems, and children who are premature or have chronic heart and lung disease.

Dr Abigail Collins, National Clinical Lead for the HSE’s Child Health Public Health Programme said, “We’ve seen a very significant recent rise in the number of children with RSV, especially in children aged four and under, which is concerning.”

“It’s up to us all to do our part to protect vulnerable babies and children. Key to that is to reducing the chance of infection and spread.”

“That means staying away from others if you feel unwell, covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, binning used tissues and washing your hands after and regularly throughout the day.”

“Please make sure your child’s vaccines or immunisations are up to date, including the annual free nasal flu vaccine available from your local GP or pharmacy.”

Advice regarding crèches and childcare services

At this time of year, children may have a runny nose or slight cough, and they should not be prevented from attending if they are feeling well with one mild symptom.

However, if a child is feeling unwell with more significant symptoms, or combination of symptoms (cough, runny nose and mild fever) then they should be at home until the fever and their symptoms have gone.

Children may have a persistent cough after infection for a few weeks so once the fever and other symptoms have gone, they should not be excluded for the cough alone.

Good ventilation of shared spaces, good cough etiquette (coughing into tissue or elbow rather than on hands) and good hand hygiene / cleaning of surfaces, all really help in preventing spread.

Dr Ciara Martin, HSE National Clinical Advisor for Children and Young People said, “Newborns and younger babies are at particular risk from RSV.”

“When visiting families with newborns you need to be extra careful to wash your hands before holding them. And don’t kiss and cuddle babies if you have a cold or a cough. For parents who are worried we have a lot of advice available on mychild.ie.

“Most cases of RSV can be cared for at home, and usually clears between two to three weeks without treatment. However, symptoms can worsen quickly, particularly within the first 5-6 days, so it is important to watch symptoms and seek medical advice when needed.”

Galway businesses honoured at ‘GRADAIM Gnó na hÉireann’ awards

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Pat Carey, Cathaoirleach Bord Ghlor na nGael, Majella Ni Chonghaile, Peigi Malone, Bridin Ni Cheidigh, Bridie O Donnell Tesco Siopa an Phobail, Indreabhan. Photo Credit: Conor Ó Mearáin

It was a great day for Galway businesses at the annual ‘GRADAIM Gnó na hÉireann’ businesses awards this week, with seventeen claiming awards.

This is the second year of the national recognition scheme GRADAIM Gnó na hÉireann, managed by Glór na nGael.

Awards are granted to businesses for achieving a certain standard in the use of the Irish language across three major areas: 1. Signage, 2. Branding and Marketing, and 3. Service in Irish.

Of the Galway businesses honoured on the night, seven achieved Gold medals in all three categories, and two more received the Gold in two categories.

Frainc Mac Cionnaith, the scheme manager at Glór na nGael, explained that the GRADAIM plaques inform the public about the type of Irish language service and signage they can expect from the participating businesses.

“It’s a comprehensive, independent and national assessment process providing accurate, certified and up-to-date information to the public about the type of Irish language service and signage they can expect from the participating businesses.”

“The national recognition awarded to the businesses today, both small and large, is well deserved,” said Mac Cionnaith.

“I congratulate them all, commend them highly for their dedication and commitment, and of course, I thank the representatives from community committees and the language planning officers around the country who are supporting the promotion of the scheme.”

In total 147 businesses received awards on the night, 27 achieved a gold award in all three areas, and 74 others obtained at least one gold award.

Since the scheme’s inception, over 480 recognition awards have been presented.

The winners in Galway and the Connacht region are:

Gnólacht – Business Contae – County Comharthaíocht – Signage Margaíocht & Brandáil – Marketing and Branding Seirbhís i nGaeilge – Customer Service in Irish
Éalú Aran Co. na Gaillimhe Bonn Óir – Gold Bonn Óir – Gold
Irish Socksciety Co. na Gaillimhe Bonn Óir – Gold Bonn Airgid – Silver
KD Autoparts, Gaillimh Co. na Gaillimhe Bonn Óir – Gold Bonn Airgid – Silver Bonn Cré-umha – Bronze
Rúnda Coffee Stop Co. na Gaillimhe Bonn Airgid – Silver Bonn Airgid – Silver Bonn Óir – Gold
Súil Eile Space Co. na Gaillimhe Bonn Airgid – Silver Bonn Cré-umha – Bronze Bonn Airgid – Silver
Ollmhargadh Mhic Dhonnchadha (Gala) Co. na Gaillimhe Bonn Airgid – Silver Bonn Óir – Gold
Solas Relaxation Co. na Gaillimhe Bonn Óir – Gold
The Green Bee Co. na Gaillimhe Bonn Cré-umha – Bronze
Tribes Press Co. na Gaillimhe Bonn Airgid – Silver Bonn Airgid – Silver
West Coast Bike Hire Co. na Gaillimhe Bonn Óir – Gold Bonn Airgid – Silver Bonn Óir – Gold
An Garraí Glas Co. na Gaillimhe Bonn Óir – Gold Bonn Óir – Gold Bonn Óir – Gold
An Spailpín Fánach Co. na Gaillimhe Bonn Óir – Gold Bonn Óir – Gold Bonn Óir – Gold
Caifé Úna (inis Oirr) Co. na Gaillimhe Bonn Óir – Gold Bonn Óir – Gold Bonn Óir – Gold
Clódóirí CL Print Co. na Gaillimhe Bonn Óir – Gold Bonn Óir – Gold Bonn Óir – Gold
Tesco Siopa an Phobail Co. na Gaillimhe Bonn Óir – Gold Bonn Óir – Gold Bonn Óir – Gold
Bláthanna & Bronntanais Charoline Co. na Gaillimhe Bonn Óir – Gold Bonn Óir – Gold Bonn Óir – Gold
O’Maille T Teo Co. na Gaillimhe Bonn Óir – Gold Bonn Óir – Gold Bonn Óir – Gold

New timetable adds stops on Galway train services

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Galway Daily news New timetable adds stops on Galway train services

Ballinasloe will be getting new morning train services starting from next month as Irish Rail introduces timetable changes.

From December 10 onwards, the 6:25am Galway – Heuston train service will add Ballinasloe to its list of stops (Mon – Sat).

The 19:35hrs Dublin Heuston to Galway (Mon – Sat) and 18:45hrs Heuston to Galway (Sunday) will additionally serve Clara, providing a later final service to Clara.

In addition, Irish Rail has said that in 2024 they plan to introduce a later last service from Dublin to Galway, and is investigating the possibility of a later last train from Galway to Dublin.

Details of the new timetable have been announced following public consultation on a draft timetable in September 2023.

A total of 1,652 took part in the public consultation, with 74% of respondents favourable to the new timetable, whether further changes were suggested or not.

The new timetable is now up on Irish Rail’s journey planner, as are Christmas and New Year service arrangements, and bookings are now available also.

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