Further weather warnings expected as arctic airflow continues

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December 1, 2023

Galway Daily sport Mack Hansen ruled out of Six Nations 2024 due to surgery — Mack Hansen. Photo: INPHO

Mack Hansen is back in the field for Connacht this weekend as he makes his first appearance of the season for the province.

Hansen’s addition to the starting XV is one of seven changes made for Saturday’s interpro game against Leinster in the URC.

Connacht are back on their home turf at the Sportsground this week after returning from a mixed-performance two-game trip to South Africa.

“Leinster at The Sportsground is one of the marquee games you look forward to every season,” Head Coach Pete Wilkins said.

“You can feel the buzz of anticipation both among the squad and supporters, and with a sold-out crowd behind us it’ll be a fantastic occasion.”

There’s an all-new front row of Peter Dooley, Dave Heffernan and Jack Aungier, while Cian Prendergast comes back into the side at blindside flanker.

Making his 50th appearance is Oisin Dowling who moves to the second row to play alongside Darragh Murray, while Seamus Hurley-Langton and number 8 Sean Jansen complete the pack.

Scrum-half Caolin Blade captains the side while JJ Hanrahan is selected at out-half. Byron Ralston moves from the wing to outside centre where he’s partnered with Cathal Forde, while Hansen, Diarmuid Kilgallen and full-back Tiernan O’Halloran complete the back three.

There’s another 6:2 split on the bench, including Paul Boyle who could feature for the first time this season, and scrum-half Michael McDonald who will make his debut if called upon.

Wilkins said that they’re well aware of the threat from Leinster, but that Connacht have confidence in their own capabilities, and welcomed the boost from returning internationals.

“We’re very aware of Leinster’s strengths and the challenge they’ll pose, but we’re also confident in our abilities and the gameplan we’ve put together.”

“Mack’s return is a timely boost and it’s a 23 I think are well capable of a victory, while also taking into account the short turnaround into Champions Cup next Friday.”

With the stadium at maximum capacity for this sold-out game, only supporters with valid match tickets are asked to make their way to the ground.

Supporters have also been reminded to be respectful of local neighbours before and after the game.

CONNACHT RUGBY MATCHDAY 23 VS LEINSTER RUGBY
19:35, Saturday 2^nd December 2023 @ The Sportsground

Number/Name/Caps

15. Tiernan O’Halloran (227)
14. Mack Hansen (28)
13. Byron Ralston (21)
12. Cathal Forde (18)
11. Diarmuid Kilgallen (20)
10. JJ Hanrahan (5)
9. Caolin Blade (176)
1. Peter Dooley (23)
2. Dave Heffernan (183)
3. Jack Aungier (54)
4. Darragh Murray (13)
5. Oisin Dowling (49)
6. Cian Prendergast (52)
7. Shamus Hurley-Langton (25)
8. Seán Jansen (1)

16. Dylan Tierney-Martin (29)
17. Denis Buckley (233)
18. Finlay Bealham (191)
19. Niall Murray (61)
20. Paul Boyle (85)
21. Michael McDonald *
22. David Hawkshaw (18)
23. Conor Oliver (68)

Galway islands project wins National Age Friendly Award

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December 1, 2023

A community-based initiative hosted on Galway’s offshore communities has been named a winner at the National Age Friendly Awards 2023.

The National Age Friendly Awards 2023 took place on Thursday evening at the Clayton Whites Hotel in Co. Wexford.

The ‘Healthy Islands’ project picked up the Age Friendly Active & Healthy Ageing Award in recognition of its efforts to promote health and well-being, improve communication and enhance knowledge of available services amongst residents of The Aran Islands and Inisbofin.

The project featured free activities and resources for more than 200 participating residents to promote health and wellbeing across all the islands.

These have included pulse and blood pressure checks, healthy cooking demonstration workshops, a community fun run, yoga, relationship and sexual health education, citizen information advice, and exercise and fitness tips.

Cllr Liam Carroll, Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council said, “This wonderful initiative is worthy of the national recognition it has received. It successfully broke through the barriers to services and information that islanders can face due to their remote location.”

“The collaborative approach to delivering the project is a template for future similar projects that seek to ensure everyone can enjoy good physical and mental health, and where wellbeing is valued and supported at every level of society.”

The initiative, which rolled out in April, was coordinated by Healthy Galway County under Galway Rural Development’s Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme (SICAP).

It was supported by a wide range of organisations including Galway Rural Development, Galway Sports Partnership, Comharchumann Forbartha Arann Teo Inis Mór, Comhlacht Forbartha Inis Meáin, Inishbofin Development Company CL and Comhar Caomhán Teoranta Inis Oírr.

Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council praised the various community and economic development groups on the islands for playing a vital role in the success of the project which, he said, presented a suitable template for similar initiatives in the future.

“Galway County Council is delighted to have supported Healthy Islands and congratulates everyone involved in achieving this award success,” he added.

Mary Cronin of Galway County Older People’s Council praised the project’s community-centred focus.

“Healthy Islands was predominantly aimed at the older population, but it also proved beneficial to other age groups, particularly those looking after a parent or relation, as it has helped them to better cater for the people they are linking in with and sharing the services and information.”

Almost €15 million in big Euromillions prizes won in Galway over two decades

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December 1, 2023

Galway Daily news Lotto player wins €17 million jackpot

Almost €15 million in big prizes have been won by Euromillions players in Galway over the past two decades.

Since the launch of the Euromillions game in 2004 there have been 32 wins in Galway for prizes worth more than €100,000, including four lucky millionaires.

Research from the National Lottery has revealed that Dublin (20), Cork (6) and Waterford (5) are top of the table for the most EuroMillions millionaires in Ireland since the game was launched.

Online players come in second in the official millionaire table with a total of 10 millionaires made online in Ireland.

This research comes ahead of Friday night’s special EuroMillions draw which has a guaranteed jackpot of €200 million.

Since the EuroMillions game launched in Ireland in 2004, there have been 17 Irish EuroMillions jackpot winners.

If Friday’s staggering €200 million jackpot is won in Ireland, it will become the biggest ever lottery prize ever in Ireland, surpassing the €175.4 million EuroMillions jackpot won in the Naul in Dublin in 2019.

Ahead of the special draw, the National Lottery has released research outlining every single prize of €100,000 and above won in Ireland since the game was launched in 2004.

In almost 20 years, the EuroMillions game has created an incredible 66 millionaires throughout the country and has paid out in excess of €1.2 BILLION in those life-changing prizes from €100,000 and above.

Speaking ahead of Friday’s special guaranteed €200 million draw, a spokesperson for the National Lottery said, “The EuroMillions game has always been an exciting proposition for our players with the truly life-changing prizes on offer for each and every draw.”

“Over the years, we have seen some iconic moments such as the €115 million won by Limerick’s Dolores McNamara and the group of 22 Dublin Bus drivers who shared over €23 million between them.”

“While these big jackpot wins will grab all of the headlines, this research just scratches the surface of the hundreds of other life-changing prizes won by players right throughout the country since the game’s inception in 2004.”

University of Galway unveils President’s Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

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December 1, 2023

Galway Daily news University of Galway unveils President's Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

University of Galway President, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh has launched the newly introduced President’s Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship that recognises and celebrates the achievements of their students.

It was officially launched as he formally opened the IdeasLab Space on campus, marking the institution’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among its student body.

IdeasLab is University of Galway’s student innovation hub. It is an open collaborative space designed to enable students to explore ideas and personalise their entrepreneurial and innovative skills to succeed in the complex world beyond university.

The award features three tiers of achievement, namely Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Students who complete one IdeasLab programme during their degree are eligible for the Bronze tier, while those who successfully complete two programmes earn the Silver tier.

The highest honour, the Gold tier, is reserved for students who undertake more than two programmes or complete IdeasLab’s summer incubator programme ‘Start100’.

The President’s Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship has been designed to acknowledge the pivotal role that student-driven innovation and entrepreneurship play in shaping Ireland’s future.

By providing a structured framework for developing these skills, the University aims to enhance the overall student experience and prepare its graduates for industry.

“We believe that students who develop innovative thinking and entrepreneurial skills play a crucial role in enriching their communities, advancing knowledge, and building a good society,” said Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh.

“The President’s Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship reflects our commitment to cultivating our students’ capacities to become agents and architects of positive change.”

He added that the award aligns with the university’s values and commitment to investing in positive change to society at home and internationally.

The formal opening of the IdeasLab Space symbolises the University’s dedication to creating an environment that nurtures creativity, collaboration, and transformative ideas.

This space is a vibrant hub where students can bring their innovative concepts to life, collaborate with like-minded peers, and receive mentorship from industry experts.

Natalie Walsh, Director of Entrepreneurial Development said, “Today is a milestone moment for innovation in our university as we formally launch our student innovation space IdeasLab and our new President’s Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.”

“The space and new awards programme demonstrate our commitment to empowering students as catalysts for positive change and equip them with the skills and competences to succeed in their futures”.

Living in the background – Connemara man celebrates extraordinary career as TV Extra

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December 1, 2023

Living in the background - Connemara man celebrates extraordinary career as TV Extra

Connemara man Patrick Keeney has spent much of his life in the background shot of our favourite stories, and is celebrating 21 years as an Extra.

Originally from the Dunkineely, Ardara area of South Donegal, Patrick Keeney is now retired in Ballyconneely where he works as an extra for the Spiddal-based TG4 each year, and travels to other sets around the country.

Since retiring from Retail management in the UK, Patrick has been a TV and Movie Extra with many Irish productions.

As well as working with Ros na Rún, he has also worked on the Irish TV shows Obituary and Normal People. His most recent movie was Liam Neeson’s Irish Film, In the Land of Saints and Sinners which was filmed in Donegal last year.

Patrick started out life in Ardara as a Guilder, he was forced to emigrate to London where he forged a successful career in Retail Management, which ultimately led him to the small screen.

One of the places where he worked was based close to the Thames TV and Channell 4 studios and from here Patrick got his taste for being an extra.

Advertising agents would include him in the background of consumer TV commercials and he enjoyed being part of it. Little by little he featured more and more in commercial advertising. This led him to signing with an agent, and in 2002 he retired from Retail Management pursuing his growing interest in TV Extra work.

He went on to feature as an Extra in the hit TV series EastEnders, Holby City, The Bill and he also spent 7 weeks working with Sir Tom Courtney on a movie set. He also featured as an Extra in the Bloody Sunday Movie.

In 2000 he retired from Retail Management working full-time as a TV Extra before retiring to Ireland at 50 with his wife and together they’ve made Ballyconneely and Connemara their home.

“We weren’t too long at home in Ballyconneely, when a neighbour told me about the TG4 drama series Ros na Rún and the possible opportunity of being an extra. I made contact and the rest is history.”

“I’m either a watcher, a Taxi driver or a Courier and on occasion, I’ve been a Postman too but that’s before Seán Misteál who plays the well-known character David in Ros na Rún was cast as the local postman.”

Patrick added that, “I enjoy it thoroughly, there’s a wonderful team here from actors to crew and it’s one big happy family, I really do love it”.

Now a professional TV and Film Extra, when Ros na Rún finishes filming every February, Patrick takes himself to other TV or Film sets all over Ireland and he’s well-recognised and established in the industry for his professionalism.

“I guess I learnt the trade well in London and it was a nice sideline job to my retail management position and at the time, they somewhat complimented each other,” Patrick says.

“I feel very lucky to have worked with some of Ireland’s, the UK’s and the World’s greatest actors as well as Film and TV Directors. It’s the perfect job for anyone who’s retired”.

Patrick has also been a volunteer radio presenter with Connemara Community Radio, has a huge interest in country music, and has been part of a two-piece band for several years too.

Met Éireann issues another weather warning for Galway

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November 30, 2023

Galway Daily weather Cold weekend ahead, with temperatures approaching zero

Another Met Éireann warning for low temperatures and icy conditions has been issued for Galway for Friday night.

Cold conditions could lead to hazardous conditions on roads and paths, and there could also be travel disruption.

The warning will come into effect at 5pm on Friday evening, and will remain in place until midday on Saturday.

All counties in the Republic are affected by Friday’s warning.

Meanwhile, status yellow warnings issued by Met Éireanna and the Met Office are in place tonight in Galway and 28 other counties.

“Shocking” that 14 counties have no provider of student leap cards says Farrell

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November 30, 2023

galway daily mairead farrell td sinn fein nurses midwives pay

Galway West TD Mairéad Farrell has said it is “shocking” that only 53% of counties have a provider of student leap cards.

Through information received from a parliamentary question, it was revealed that over half of the counties in the State had no provider of student leap cards.

For the counties that did, this was generally provided through a student union or, in some cases, a private agent.

Deputy Farrell stated that at times when students are having to commute longer and longer distances, the fact a significant number have to travel to another country just to receive this card seems ridiculous.

“There is a serious lack of coverage when it comes to the provision of these cards,” the Sinn Féin TD said.

“There are multiple counties in every province where the card cannot be printed off at all. Students in counties outside of Dublin are being told to travel there just to pick up there card.

“Counties with no provider at all include: Cavan, Clare, Kilkenny, Laois, Leitrim, Longford, Mayo, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Tipperary, Wexford and Wicklow.”

Deputy Farrell said that the fact that in some of these counties there is already a third level institution which could offer the service, or multiple post offices which could presumably do the same.

“The problem is for this government that students are often an afterthought. This is something that could be fixed fairly quickly it the Minister had a mind to.

“There’s no shortage of providers in large urban centres like Dublin, but for rural Ireland it’s a very different story.”

She said that all of this leaves a very bitter taste in the mouth of young people.

“So when graduation day finally comes, they feel like this government and its predecessors have shown them to the door. Decades ago, the saying was ‘get the boat’. Today it seems to be a case of ‘book a flight’.”

Portiuncula Hospital treating patients ‘very sick with RSV’

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November 30, 2023

Portiuncula University Hospital is currently treating patients, including infants, who are very sick with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

The hospital has asked the public to not visit patients if they are feeling unwell.

RSV is a highly contagious respiratory disease and 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.

James Keane, Hospital Manager at Portiuncula University Hospital, asked the public to be mindful of the safety of vulnerable patients and to not visit the hospital if they have a cough, cold, temperature, runny nose or sneezing.

“Limited visiting is in place in the Maternity Ward to protect our newborns and younger babies who are at particular risk from RSV. Children should not visit the Maternity Ward,” he said.

Anyone with symptoms of RSV is advised to stay away from others if you feel unwell, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, bin used tissues and wash your hands after and regularly throughout the day.

Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan dies aged 65

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November 30, 2023

galway daily news shane mcgowan dies — Shane McGowan

The Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan has died at the age of 65 following a long illness.

He died peacefully at 3am this morning, with his wife Victoria Mary Clarke and other family members by his side.

A statement from Victoria, Shane’s sister Siobhan and his father Maurice, stated that prayers and last rites were given, which gave comfort to the family.

The Irish music legend spent much of his childhood with his mother’s family in Co Tipperary, where he was surrounded by folk and traditional music.

Shane MacGowan became part of the punk scene in London in the 1970s and formed the band The Nipple Erectors, also known as the Nips.

Some years later he formed Pogue Mahone, which later became the Pogues, with Jem Finer and Spider Stacey.

The band adopted a mix of punk and Irish trad and folk, and brought Irish music to a new generation across the world.

His 60th birthday was marked with an event in Dublin in 2018, with performers including Sinéad O’Connor, Nick Cave and Glen Hansard all paying tribute. President Michael D. Higgins presented him with a lifetime achievement award.

Shane MacGowan married his long-time partner Victoria Mary Clarke in 2018 in Copenhagen.

Two Galway artists selected for residency in France promoting Beckett

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November 30, 2023

galway daily news artists selected for samuel beckett residency in france — Claire-Louise Bennett (photo - Mark Walsh) and Petal Pilley (photo- Simon Boyle)

Two Co. Galway artists have been awarded bursaries for a three-week international residency at Atelier Samuel Beckett in France next year.

Petal Pilley, artistic director of Blue Teapot Theatre, and writer Claire-Louise Bennett, were selected to join the new international artists’ residency in the village of Méricourt, an hour northwest of Paris on the River Seine.

The mission of the residency is to promote and highlight the artistic legacy of Samuel Beckett across all art forms.

The two artists will spend three weeks living at Atelier Samuel Beckett, working in an environment that supports and values artistic ambition, exchange, and self-directed work.

The residency offers artists a place to reflect, develop, research and study while accessing Beckett’s writing with mentorship from Gare St Lazare Ireland’s artistic directors and founders of Atelier Samuel Beckett, director Judy Hegarty Lovett and actor Conor Lovett.

The primary goal of the residency is for the resident artist to develop their own practice, with no obligation to deliver any outcomes.

Judy and Conor Lovett founded Atelier Samuel Beckett as an opportunity for artists to deepen their engagement with Beckett’s work in the hope that he will influence new works in all areas of the arts.

“In our staging of Beckett’s prose works we’ve collaborated with performers, composers, musicians, videographers and visual artists,” said Conor.

“We’ve seen how Beckett’s work inspires and how artists are enriched by it.”

Judy said this residency was born out of a combination of their experience and the support of philanthropic donors.

“We hope that new funders will support bursaries and we’re thrilled that Galway Culture Company and University of Galway are leading the way.”

The bursaries are supported by Galway Culture Company in association with Atelier Samuel Beckett and the Cork theatre company, Gare St Lazare Ireland, and by the School of English and Creative Arts and the James Hardiman LIbrary, University of Galway.

The selected artists will receive awards valued at €6,000 that include a stipend to each artist of €1,500, self-catering accommodation, travel expenses and Gare St Lazare mentoring.

University of Galway will also provide access to its theatre archives and rehearsal studios.

Petal Pilley has a lifetime of experience in theatre, having grown up in a travelling theatre company touring extensively throughout Europe.

She is the Artistic Director of Blue Teapot Theatre Company, a bold, diverse, Irish company working with artists with intellectual disabilities.

Petal developed Ireland’s first QQI accredited Performing Arts School for people with intellectual disabilities.

Claire-Louise Bennett is the author of Pond (2015) and Checkout 19 (2022). Her stories and essays have appeared in a range of publications including The New Yorker, The London Review of Books, Frieze, and Harper’s Magazine.

She was awarded a Samuel Beckett Creative Fellowship for 2022-2023 at the University of Reading.

13% increase in average rents for new tenancies in Galway City

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November 30, 2023

Galway daily news Galway County social housing tenants

Galway City has seen a 12.7% increase in average rents for new tenancies, the largest annual change of any city in the country.

The RTB’s Rent Index Report shows that Galway was the second most expensive city in the Republic in Q2 for new tenancies, with a standardised average rent of €1,577.

Galway County saw an even higher year-on-year growth rate (16.4%) in Q2 than Galway
City for rents in new tenancies. The average for new tenancies in Q2 was €1,174.

Galway was one of 19 counties to have average rents above €1,000 in the second quarter of this year.

Mayo had the second-highest year-on-year growth, where rents in new tenancies increased by 18.5% year-on-year. Twenty counties had annualised growth in standardised average rent for new tenancies above 10% in Q2 2023.

Yellow warning comes into effect at 6pm as temperatures plummet

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November 30, 2023

A status yellow warning will come into effect this evening ahead as temperatures plummet well below freezing in many areas.

Met Éireann said that it will be very cold, with frost and ice developing, which will cause hazardous travelling conditions.

The warning begins at 6pm today, and will remain in place until midday on Friday.

A total of 23 counties in the State will be affected by the low temperature/ ice warning.

Nighttime temperature are expected to remain around freezing over the weekend, before slowly rising next week.

Three Connacht Rugby stars honoured at Mayoral Reception

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November 30, 2023

galway daily news connacht rugby players at mayoral reception in city hall — (Front) Patrick Foley, GCC, Finley Bealham, Mayor of Galway City, Cllr. Eddie Hoare, Mack Hansen, Bundee Aki. (Back) Councillors Alan Cheevers, Peter Keane, Donal Lyons, Clodagh Higgins, Martina O’Connor

Three Connacht and Ireland rugby players have been honoured at a mayoral reception in City Hall this week.

Bundee Aki, Finlay Bealham and Mack Hansen were honoured by Galway City Council for their sporting achievements in this year’s Six Nations, at the Rugby World Cup, and as part of the Connacht Rugby squad.

Cllr Eddie Hoare, Mayor of the City of Galway, said: “Every try, every point, every ruck, every line out, every throw in – whether we were in Knocknacarra or Westside or Mervue or France – we were there with you at the Rugby World Cup…”

“All of us are here today to acknowledge you – your sporting prowess, your dedication, your sportsmanship – that is an example to any young player in any sport.

“There’s no doubt you have inspired a new generation of rugby players in Galway and in Ireland. We have a number of clubs in the city with boys and girls taking to the pitch every day of the week, inspired by what you did at the World Cup, the Six Nations, and in Connacht Rugby.

“Your energy, your physicality, your prowess – the preparation you put in – are an example to them…We share our gratitude and thanks to your families, friends and teams at home, who set you on the course to be here with us today in Ireland.”

The Mayor recognised the essential work of Connacht Rugby in bringing world-class players to the province. Mayor Hoare closed the event by wishing all in Connacht Rugby the best for the remainder of their 2023 Fixtures, and in 2024.

Planning refused again for Galway City mobile tower

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November 29, 2023

Galway Daily news Planning refused again for Galway City mobile tower

Plans for a new mobile and broadband telecoms tower on the west side of Galway City have been shot down again by An Bord Pleanála.

The application by Vantage Towers Ltd was for a 24m high lattice tower which would carry 6 antennae and 5 dishes for Vodafone, and another 2 antennae and a single dish for Eir and Three’s use.

The proposed tower was to be built on a site just off the Cappagh Road, north of the junction with the Western Distributor Road.

Other work involved in the project would involve the creation of a 90m access track to the site of the tower.

Galway City Council rejected the planning application back in 2022 due to the access road and the site’s proximity to the proposed N6 Galway City Ring Road route.

“If permitted, the proximity of the proposed development will prejudice the plans for the delivery of this scheme and materially contravene the policy of the Galway City Development Plan 2017 – 2023,” the council’s decision said.

In appealing that decision to An Bord Pleanála, Vantage Towers said that there is a need for this mast as another nearby tower is to be removed to make way for the Ring Road.

The appeal also stated that the access track which is cited as being in too close proximity to the Ring Road route would only be temporary, to be replaced with another access point from the north.

The developer stated that they have received the landowner’s consent to access the site from the North.

An Bord Pleanála’s inspector recommended that the development be approved subject to conditions, but the board ultimately overruled that recommendation to refuse permission.

The board’s decision stated that the alternative long-term access track comprised a material alteration to the original application and public notices.

“In deciding not to accept the Inspector’s recommendation to grant permission, the Board was not of the view that the entrance and access as originally submitted could be delivered as proposed and the alternative access and access route did not form part of the application notice.”

Galway University Hospitals holding Interfaith Memorial Service

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November 29, 2023

galway daily news Galway University Hospitals holding Memorial Service

Galway University Hospitals are hosting an interfaith memorial service this week for all those who died last year.

The 14th annual Interfaith Memorial Service, organised by the hospitals’ End of Life Committee, will take place at 7pm on Thursday, November 30 in the Ardilaun Hotel.

Galway University Hospitals care for patients from a wide geographical area and the End of Life Committee wants to reach out and acknowledge the loss felt by all families and friends who have been bereaved.

The theme of the service is “Le Chéile, bringing us together to remember our patients alongside their families and loved ones. In this year’s service, those who died in 2022 will especially be remembered. We hope that those bereaved will take some solace in knowing that their loved one has not been forgotten.

“Those we love don’t go away they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard but always near, still loved & dearly missed.”

For further information and to confirm attendance please contact Vivian Roche Fahy (Bereavement Liaison Officer 091 544823 or 087 9684 271) or Anne McKeown (End of Life Care Coordinator 091 893718 or 087 4418574).

Dangerous driving conditions as weather warning for Ice issued

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November 29, 2023

Galway Daily weather weather warning for low temperature and ice

Freezing temperatures are expected this week with Met Eireann issuing a weather warning for almost the entire country.

Extreme cold is forecast for Thursday evening and early Friday, with temperatures expected to drop as low as -3 degrees overnight in many areas.

Motorists are advised by Met Eireann to be careful, as frost and ice on the roads will create hazardous driving conditions.

The status Yellow Low Temperature / Ice Warning will be in effect from 6pm on Thursday evening until 12pm on Friday afternoon.

“Very cold with temperatures expected to fall below -3 degrees in many areas. Frost and ice developing will cause hazardous travelling conditions.”

The warning has been issued for all of Connacht, along with counties Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wicklow, Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, and Tipperary.

University of Galway based Construct Innovate awarded €2 million funding

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November 29, 2023

Construct Innovate research centre based at the University of Galway has been awarded €2 million in funding for specialised equipment at testing facilities.

Construct Innovate secured grants to fund three projects at the University of Galway and one project at UCD.

The 2023 Capital Equipment Fund will allow Construct Innovate to develop a building envelope testbed, expand and upgrade their structural testing facilities and enable the development of modern methods of construction (MMC) through automated and process technologies.

Construct Innovate directors, Prof Jamie Goggins and Dr Magdalena Hajdukiewicz, welcomed the announcement of the Capital Equipment Fund results.

Dr Hajdukiewicz said, “Construct Innovate facilitates industry-led, independent and evidence-based research supporting innovation and sustainability in the construction sector.”

“This recent funding will provide our partner institutions with state-of-the-art equipment that supports the development and testing of new materials and systems, including modern methods of construction and utilisation of digital technologies.”

The funding supports the development of a Building Envelope Testbed at the University of Galway. The 3-cell facility will have the capacity to conduct various types of tests measuring the performance of building envelope assemblies.

The will include thermal characteristics, moisture transfer, solar and luminous characteristics of glazing, air permeability, water tightness, acoustic performance, energy performance (including renewable energy systems), and indoor environmental quality incl. thermal comfort.

The testbed’s design and specifications have been created with the specific needs of Ireland’s construction industry in mind.

Secondly, a suite of equipment is being funded to extend the capabilities within the Large Structures Testing Laboratory at the University of Galway to be suitable for testing construction elements at or near full-scale.

The money will also be used for an autonomous mobile robot which will advance the next-generation of automation in construction.

This will also be deployed for off-site construction and assembly process development, specifically focusing on production scale-up capability.

County Galway adopts first ever Tourism Strategy

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November 29, 2023

County Galway adopts first ever Tourism Strategy — Derryclare Lough, Connemara, County Galway.

Galway County Council has adopted the first-ever tourism strategy for County Galway, Ireland’s leading cultural and natural heritage tourism destination.

The County Galway Tourism Strategy 2023-2031 sets out to spread the benefits of Galway’s growing tourism economy across the wider county, promote sustainable tourism development, support existing jobs and create new ones across the sector.

The tourism plan also is targeting a 10% increase in overall visitor spend by 2030 with a particular focus on attracting visitors who stay longer and spend more in Galway’s towns and villages.

“The adoption of this strategy means that, for the first time, there is a collaborative framework in place for the development of tourism over the next eight years across the County,” commented Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council.

The Tourism Strategy targets four strategic areas, which each come with key actions and recommendations for growth and specific targeted interventions to address local opportunities.

Mr. Conneally continued, “This tourism strategy represents an opportunity to support existing and create new employment, establish sustainability as a foundation for the future, and will extend the benefits of tourism to less-visited areas.”

The Strategy was formally adopted by the elected members of Galway County Council at their monthly meeting this week.

As the most visited destination outside of Dublin, Galway benefits considerably from tourism – with 984,000 domestic trips and 1.7 million overseas visitors contributing €754 million in tourism expenditure.

Cllr Liam Carroll, Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council said, “The level of engagement by public bodies, private enterprises, communities and individuals in the development of this strategy underlines the far-reaching significance and benefits of tourism.”

“This partnership approach provides a solid and positive basis for the further development of tourism across our unique county, and I have no doubt that this strategy will serve visitors and communities across the county well in the coming years.”

Finnerty’s Corn Mill and Drying House & Museum, Leitrim, County Galway.

Commenting on the Strategy’s goal of spreading the economic benefit of tourism across the wider county, Council Tourism Officer John Neary noted that not all areas of the county are equally well known.

“Core infrastructure – such as accommodation and attractions – is clustered in particular areas, naturally following the patterns of highest visitor demand.”

“One of the challenges of this strategy, therefore, is to seek to manage well-developed tourism areas within the County with the further growth of less-established areas.”

The County Galway Tourism Strategy 2023-2031 will be formally launched in early 2024, along with an Implementation Plan in the same year.

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