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Craft Beer and Tapas Tasting Night at 1520 Bar with Connemara Brewery

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Craft Beer and Tapas Tasting Night at 1520 Bar with Connemara Brewery

Craft beer and cuisine enthusiasts are invited to indulge in a unique sensory experience at 1520 Bar on Quay Street next month.

This amazing event, in collaboration with Connemara Brewery, promises an evening of exquisite craft beers, delectable tapas, and insights into the art of brewing on Wednesday, December 6.

Guests will delve into the brewing process with none other than Aine O’Hora, one of Ireland’s most accomplished brewers.

Aine’s wealth of expertise and passion for craft beer will offer a rare glimpse into the world of brewing excellence.

The event kicks off at 7 pm, promising an immersive experience for everyone. The intimate setting of the Penny Bar in 1520 provides a unique backdrop for this evening of discovery and enjoyment.

Limited spaces are available, so everyone is encouraged to secure their tickets soon to avoid missing out.

As part of the Craft Beer and Tapas Tasting Night at 1520, guests will savour the unique and flavorful offerings from Connemara Brewery as well as a tastefully curated sharing platter from 1520’s renowned tapas menu. The combination of exceptional craft beers and delightful tapas promises an unforgettable night.

“We are thrilled to host this Craft Beer and Tapas Tasting Night in collaboration with Connemara Brewery,” said Johnny Casey at 1520 Bar.

“It’s an opportunity for beer enthusiasts to not only enjoy some of the finest craft beers but also gain insights into the brewing process from the talented Aine O’Hora. Paired with our popular tapas menu, this promises to be a memorable evening for all attendees.”

Tickets for the Craft Beer and Tapas Tasting Night can be purchased on Eventbrite. So, don’t miss this exciting evening of exceptional craft beers, delicious tapas, and a fascinating look at the art of brewing.

Planning refused for large scale apartment complex in Knocknacarra

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Planning refused for large scale apartment complex in Knocknacarra

Planning permission has been refused for a large-scale residential development consisting of 227 apartments in Galway City.

Glenveagh Living Ltd sought approval for the construction of seven apartment blocks ranging from three to five storeys in height.

The new apartment complex was to be built on lands at Gort na Bró, Rahoon, next to Gateway Retail Park.

The development plans also included 1,009.5m² of commercial space at the ground floor level of the blocks, a community facility and a childcare facility with an external play area.

Other works involved in the project would involve the realignment of the road between Gort na Bró and Gateway Retail Park as well as the provision of private and communal open spaces.

A major element of the plans was the creation of a Civic Square on the western edge of the site to cater for the wider Knocknacarra District Centre.

Planning permission was refused by Galway City Council due to concerns about overshadowing, and the development’s relationship with the planning N6 Galway City Ring Road.

The council said that two of the apartment blocks would significantly overshadow the communal space between them and that another would do so to lands zoned for development right next to the site.

The overabundance of one and two-bedroom apartments and the lack of three-bedroom units was also cited as a reason for refusal.

Finally, the council said that the proposed development is at variance with the policy regarding developments on or affecting national roads due to its proximity to the proposed N6 Galway City Ring Road route.

Allowing it to go ahead would therefore “adversely affect the operation and safety of the national road network”, either by itself or by the precedent it would set.

Malachaí crosses a line as Sadie’s erratic behaviour gets a public showing in Ros na Rún

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Malachaí crosses a line as Sadie's erratic behaviour gets a public showing in Ros na Rún

Sonia is hanging on for dear life, Malachaí crosses a line trying to control Sadie, and romantic wires get crossed with Manus in Ros na Rún.

The day of Sadie’s art exhibition is here, and she’s not doing well at all. People become more concerned for Sadie’s well-being as she unveils her art.

Malachaí gets Sadie back under control, but Tadhg has seen something and even he thinks Malachaí has gone too far. Just what did he do?

Things aren’t looking good for Sonia. Meanwhile, Mack is left in the dark and desperate to know if she is alive.

O’Shea arrives in with news from the hospital that startles Diana. What is after happening?

Réailtín wants to know where she stands with Manus and gets Che to act as her wingman. Che has a conversation with Manus.

However, Manus gets the wrong end of the stick. Where will this comedy of errors of who fancies who go next?

Catch up on all the latest from Ros an Rún this Sunday on TG4 at 7:30pm with a double-feature omnibus.

JP McMahon honoured with President’s Award from Galway Chamber

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JP McMahon has been honoured as the top Businessman of the Year by the Galway Chamber of Commerce.

Restauranteur and event organiser McMahon was chosen for the President’s Award of the 2023 Galway Chamber Business Awards by the new President Eveanna Ryan.

She said, “JP has been a cornerstone of business in Galway city, a visionary who has woven an intricate tapestry of success through his various ventures and events.”

“He has played a pivotal role in propelling Galway onto the global food map, establishing it as a world-renowned culinary destination”.

JP McMahon is the owner of the Michelin-starred Aniar Restaurant and the award-winning Cava Bodega, which celebrated its 15th anniversary earlier this year.

McMahon is also the founder and organiser of the Food on the Edge symposium, which draws top chefs, restauranteurs, and more from around the world each year.

Kinvara boil water notice lifted

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Galway Daily news Ballyconneelly water outages

A boil water notice for the Kinvara Public Water Supply has been lifted with immediate effect, Uisce Éireann has said.

Following consultation with the HSE customers can now resume normal use of the public water supply.

Issued in October, the notice was put in place to protect the health of customers following a mechanical issue at the water treatment plant which compromised the disinfection of the water supply.

Drinking water experts from Uisce Éireann worked to lift the notice as quickly and safely as possible and following satisfactory water samples the Boil Water Notice has been lifted.

Uisce Eireann’s Justin Doran acknowledged the impact of the notice on customers and thanked the community for their support while we worked to lift the notice.

“Uisce Éireann’s primary focus remains the protection of public health and we worked with our stakeholders to lift the notice as quickly as possible. We are grateful to customers, elected representatives and the media for their assistance in sharing information on the boil water notice in recent weeks,” he said.

Improved bus services from Portumna to Ballinasloe

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galway daily news route 547 local link bus

TFI Local Link Galway has announced changes to its bus services from Portumna to Ballinasloe, which will come into effect on Monday, 4 December.

Route 547 will now operate five daily return services Monday to Saturday, as well as three daily return services on Sunday.

The improved route is designed to make it easier for people to travel to Portumna, Eyrecourt, Laurencetown, Ballinasloe and Ballinasloe Train Station.

TFI Local Link Galway General Manger, Joe Greally, said that the improved route is a much-needed, and will provide a morning service from Ballinasloe Train Station and improved connectivity to regional bus and rail services.

“We believe this will be welcomed by our existing and new customers alike, as it offers them more flexibility.

“In partnership with the NTA, we are committed to continually improving and expanding our services to meet the needs of our customers.

“We understand that every journey matters, and with these enhancements, we hope to make those journeys even better.”

European accreditation for echocardiography dept at Portiuncula Hospital

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galway daily news cardiology accreditation puh
From left, Professor Aidan Flynn, Consultant Cardiologist; Andrea Cooke, Cardiac Physiologist; Carol Glynn, Healthcare Assistant; Caroline Hanniffy, Cardiac Physiologist; Claire Mc Dermott, Chief II Cardiac Physiologist; Ann Donohue, Cardiac Physiologist; Dr Núria Farre, Consultant Cardiologist; Niamh Corrigan, Cardiac Physiologist and James Keane, Hospital Manager.

Portiuncula University Hospital has received European accreditation for the echocardiography department by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) following a process of quality standards and improvements.

The European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) established a European echocardiogram standard in laboratory practices and patient care.

The aim of laboratory accreditation is to raise quality standards of practice and equipment across Europe in a uniform manner.

It is also designed to be used as an educational tool to improve the overall quality of cardiac investigation departments.

Portiuncula University Hospital is the third hospital in the country to be accredited by the EACVI.

Claire McDermott, Chief II Cardiac Physiologist said: “I am delighted and extremely proud of our team here in the Cardiac Investigations Department for having achieved such a highly regarded world recognised accreditation.

“We now have certification for five years, which would not have been possible without the commitment and dedication of such a fantastic team.

“It is an exciting time for our department as we continue to focus on quality improvement, embrace new methods of working, new technology, and more integration to ensure we continue to provide our patients with the utmost care.”

The cardiac Investigations Department provides a variety of non-invasive tests such as ECG, blood pressure, cardiac rhythm monitoring, exercise stress tests and echocardiography.

Last year, the department carried out 3,200 echocardiograms – a type of ultrasound for the heart used to aid in the diagnosis of a variety of cardiac disorders and to assess treatments for heart conditions.

Professor Aidan Flynn, Consultant Cardiologist, said that the accreditation gives great confidence to patients knowing they are attending a department that is performing their echocardiograms to the highest standards.

“It also demonstrates our commitment to lifelong learning and knowledge expansion. The team’s dedication to improving our service delivery has been incredible, and we are now lucky enough to be using the most advanced state-of-the-art echocardiography technology in our department,” he said.

Dr Núria Farre, Consultant Cardiologist, said: “I would like to acknowledge the work and commitment of the echocardiogram team.

“This honour recognises their skills while also reflecting the hospital’s and the Cardiac Investigation Department’s dedication to provide the best possible care to patients.”

Galway schools invited to apply for new Solar Panels Programme

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Galway Daily news Galway schools invited to apply for new Solar Panels Programme

Schools in Galway are being invited to apply for the first phase of the Solar for Schools Programme which opens this month.

The programme will provide eligible schools with 6 kilowatts of roof-mounted solar PV, which equates to approximately 16 solar panels.

The solar PV panels in schools will also be connected to the electricity grid so that the schools can generate income by selling excess electricity back to the grid.

This will be especially beneficial to schools as they can expect to generate electricity while using almost none on weekends and during holidays.

Schools can expect to save in the region of €1,200 to €1,600 per year after selling any surplus solar power.

Minister for Education Norma Foley said, “I am delighted to launch the Solar for Schools scheme today. It will allow up to 4,000 schools nationwide to get solar PV panels to reduce their energy bills and their carbon emissions”.

“This ties in with the strong ethos of environmental awareness and climate sustainability among our students and the wonderful work they do in this area, most notably with the Green Flag initiative.”

The first phase of the scheme, covering 11 areas, will open for application on November 30, with all eligible schools to be contacted by the Department.

The intention is to include a further eight counties in phase two in Q2 2024 and the remaining eight counties in Q4 2024.

The phasing of the programme will ensure a managed and steady flow of work for solar PV contractors.

Schools will be provided with funding from the Department to have solar panels installed by an SEAI-registered contractor.

The exact budget for the scheme is not being released for commercial reasons. The government has said that this is to ensure that contractors deliver competitive quotes.

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications Ossian Smyth said, “It’s great that schools around the country will now see their electricity bills drop while doing their bit for the climate.”

“Even when the school is closed for the holidays, they will earn money by selling the power they generate back to the grid.”

“Each school will have a display screen to let staff and students know how much power is being generated. I am also delighted that teaching materials will be offered to schools so that students can learn about solar power.”

Areas included in the first phase of the programme are: Co. Clare, Co. Donegal, Dublin City Council area, Co. Galway, Co. Kerry, Co. Kilkenny, Co. Leitrim, Co. Limerick, Co. Offaly, Co. Waterford and Co. Wicklow.

Planning appeal against rejection of large Galway City housing estate

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Galway daily news Knocknacarra social housing

A planning appeal has been lodged against the refusal of permission for 148 homes on the outskirts of Galway City.

Cairn Homes Ltd this month saw plans for a large-scale residential development on land south of the Letteragh Road shot down by the city council.

The plans were for 93 houses, 20 duplex units, and 35 apartments in a housing estate next to the existing Sliabh Ríoga development.

The proposed four-storey apartment building would be the most prominent element of the estate, located at the entrance facing onto the Letteragh Road.

In refusing planning permission the City Council said that the development would “adversely affect the operation and safety of the national road network”, either by itself or by virtue of the precedent it would set.

The rejection also cited the lack of provision for any childcare facility in the plans and criticised the design of the communal open space.

The site is located next to the planned N59 Link Road, which would make the boundary of the western edge of the estate when built.

The developer has now appealed that decision to An Bord Pleanála, which is due to make a ruling on the case by March 14, 2024.

Contemporary Duo – Elegant Hit from Alex Petcu & Marion Cronin

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Galway Daily music Contemporary Duo - Elegant Hit from Alex Petcu & Marion Cronin

Music for Galway and Galway Dance Project have joined forces to bring together two top Irish-based artists: percussionist Alex Petcu and dance artist Marion Cronin.

Join them at the Black Box in Galway on Tuesday, November 28 at 7:30pm.

This is the first time that these artists have worked together. They will first perform individually and then present a new work that has emerged from their extended collaboration, which was facilitated over the past few months.

As part of their work together, they are engaging with students of local secondary schools prior to the performance and also doing a workshop with the participants of the Galway Music Residency Apprentice Ensemble Programme.

An Irish musician of Romanian origin, Alex is quickly establishing himself both nationally and internationally as a percussionist of the finest calibre.

His debut album, “Alex Petcu: In Time”, released on the RTE lyric fm label, showcases both seminal works and new contributions to the percussion repertoire.

Aside from his performing activities, Alex is also an assistant lecturer in percussion at the MTU Cork School of Music.

Marion Cronin is a contemporary dance artist and new choreographer based in Dublin.

Since graduating in 2014 from The Scottish School Of Contemporary Dance she has toured extensively across Ireland and internationally.

Most recently she has worked with choreographers and companies including; Liz Roache (Dublin Dance Festival), Jean Butler (Dublin Theatre Festival), Lucia Kickham (Schwere Reiter, Munich) and Philip Connaughton (Carlow Arts Festival).

An inspiring night of discovery awaits!

Standard Ticket prices are €18; Concession €16.20; Social Inclusion €9; MfG Friends €14 and can be booked from www.musicforgalway.ie or 091 705962.

Concession rate applies to people aged over 66 and social inclusion tickets are available to children, students (full-time), people in receipt of disability, carers and back-to-work allowance as well as to people seeking refuge and refugees.

Alternative water supply available after major Portumna outages

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Galway Daily news Water outages in Moycullen

Alternative water supplies have been arranged after major water outages hit Portumna following an issue with the water treatment plant.

Uisce Eireann is carrying out repairs to the Portumna Water Treatment Plant following a mechanical fault on Thursday. This is causing water outages in Portumna and surrounding areas.

An alternative water supply is available at the car park close to Concannon’s Hardware in Killimor Village and will remain in place until Saturday.

People are reminded to use their own clean and sanitised potable containers when taking water from the alternative water supply.

Uisce Eireann expects that the local water supply will begin to return this evening, but it will take some hours for the reservoirs and water network to refill.

Generally, it takes approximately two to three hours for the water supply to return to normal for all affected customers.

Uisce Éireann’s Justin Doran regrets the inconvenience for customers adding, “We understand how disruptive unplanned outages are and we regret the inconvenience caused.”

“We would like to thank impacted customers in the Portumna area for their patience while we work on repairs and restore the water supply as quickly as possible.”

Updates can be found on Uisce Eireann’s Supply and Service website page

Connacht v Bulls: Squad news and kick-off time

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Galway Daily sport Jack Carty claiming 200th cap for Connacht this weekend

The Connacht Squad has been named for this weekend’s clash with the Bulls in the second game of their South Africa trip.

Connacht will play the Vodacom Bulls in Pretoria this Saturday, with kick-off at 3pm Irish time.

Commenting ahead of the game, head coach Pete Wilkins said, “To play the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld is one of the great experiences in world rugby, and although it shapes to be a big challenge our entire squad is excited and ready to go.”

Wilkins added that he is pleased with the momentum Connacht has managed to build up this early in the URC season.

“Our previous performance against the Sharks, whilst not perfect, was another significant step in the development of our team, demonstrating that we can find a way to win in tough and unfamiliar environments away from home.

Six changes have been made to the squad which beat the Sharks last week, including Sean Jansen’s Connacht debut. Jack Carty will be captaining the squad on Saturday at out-half

The front three remains the same with Denis Buckley, Tadgh McElroy and Finlay Bealham. There’s a change in the second row with Darragh Murray joining Joe Joyce.

It’s a brand new back row with Oisin Dowling moving from lock to blindside, Shamus Hurley-Langton starts at openside and Sean Jansen is set to make his debut wearing the number eight.

There are three changes in the backs including the return of Jack Carty, while playing alongside him at scrum-half is Colm Reilly.

Diarmuid Kilgallen joins Byron Ralston and Tiernan O’Halloran in the back three while David Hawkshaw will partner Cathal Forde at 12.

“The selection changes we have made reflect the importance of taking some fresh legs to Pretoria, whilst also building on some of the combinations that have served us well in recent weeks,” Pete Wilkins said.

“Both Sean Jansen and David Hawkshaw deserve their first opportunities in the starting lineup and will no doubt make significant contributions to what will need to be a relentless and physical twenty-three man performance.”

CONNACHT RUGBY MATCHDAY 23 VS VODACOM BULLS
15:00 Irish time, Saturday 25th November 2023 @ Loftus Versfeld

15. Tiernan O’Halloran (225)
14. Byron Ralston (20)
13. David Hawkshaw (17)
12. Cathal Forde (17)
11. Diarmuid Kilgallen (19)
10. Jack Carty (198) (C)
9. Colm Reilly (22)
1. Denis Buckley (232)
2. Tadgh McElroy (5)
3. Finlay Bealham (190)
4. Darragh Murray (12)
5. Joe Joyce (5)
6. Oisin Dowling (48)
7. Shamus Hurley-Langton (23)
8. Sean Jansen*

16. Dylan Tierney-Martin (28)
17. Peter Dooley (22)
18. Sam Illo (12)
19. Niall Murray (60)
20. Sean O’Brien (2)
21. Caolin Blade (175)
22. JJ Hanrahan (4)
23. Conor Oliver (66)

Gardaí investigating after woman in her 70s hospitalised following carjacking

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Galway Daily news

Gardaí are investigating after a woman in her 70s was hospitalised for injuries sustained after her car was stolen this week.

Gardaí are appealing for information in relation to the theft of a vehicle on Williamstown Road, Castlerea on Tuesday, November 21 at approximately 5:30pm.

A woman in her 70s was injured during the course of this incident and later received treatment at Sligo University Hospital Sligo.

No arrests have been at this time but Gardaí are following a definite line of enquiry with regards to this investigation. A family liaison officer has been appointed.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone with information on this incident to come forward to them.

The stolen vehicle is described by Gardaí as a red Volkswagen Fox hatchback with an 08 RN partial registration.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Gardaí at Castlerea Garda Station 094 962 1630, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.
Investigations are ongoing at this time.

Galway City Council launches its first ever draft climate action plan

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Galway Daily news Community Climate Action public information evenings in Galway City

Galway City Council has launched the first ever draft local authority Climate Action Plan, which sets out ambitious targets to transform the council and the city.

Galway City Council aims to reduce greenhouse gases on both its operations and the wider city by 51% by 2030, and to become carbon-neutral by 2050.

The public are invited to make submissions to the Draft LA Climate Action Plan from today until Friday, 29 December at 4.00pm.

Speaking about the launch, Ms Patricia Philbin, Interim Chief Executive Galway City Council, said that the Local Authority Climate Action Plan is a welcome further development in creating a more sustainable and climate neutral Galway City.

“Collaboration has never been more important in maintaining a dialogue with the people of Galway, so that our city has climate action and resilience at the forefront of everything that we do,” she said.

“As we are witnessing extreme weather events such as increased storms, flooding, and droughts here in Ireland, and temperatures reaching over 50°C in mainland Europe, Climate breakdown is becoming very real and visible.

“These events remind us that we all have a responsibility to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and make positive Climate choices. Galway City Council will be to the forefront of that action, working in partnership with businesses and our communities throughout the city.”

Mayor of Galway City, Cllr. Eddie Hoare said that climate change is the most significant challenge to all communities in Galway City.

He said that the inaugural climate action plan marks a significant milestone in the city’s commitment to address this challenge by implementing measures to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

“This plan sets out ambitious targets to deliver transformative action across all functions of Galway City Council and throughout Galway City.

“Climate action also offers opportunities to communities and businesses to promote sustainability, biodiversity, active travel and to make positive changes in our daily lives.

“I welcome this plan as a significant further step in delivering our 2030 targets and progressing towards a climate neutral Galway City by 2050 in line with Irelands Climate Action Plan targets.”

Two outdoor events to show solidarity with Palestine this weekend

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galway daily news palestine vigil galway city

Two outdoor events for people to show solidarity with people in Palestine will take place in Galway city centre this weekend.

This evening, Friday, images will be projected onto the iconic Galway hookers at the Claddagh Basin as the sun sets, with people gathering at 4.30pm.

There will be a light art installation piece and projections onto the sails of the Galway hookers, along with live music by Palestinian and Irish artists including Roisin El Cheriff, Hala Jaber and Katie O’Connor.

Participants are urged to bring a candle and dress warmly if they want to join a call for peace and the liberation of the Palestinian people.

On Saturday afternoon, a rally for Palestine will take place through the streets of the city, beginning at Courthouse Square at 2.30pm.

People will march through the city centre before being addressed by Palestinian and Irish speakers, and some more live music, at the Spanish Arch.

Participants are urged to bring a flag, a banner, and a friend. Both events will be peaceful demonstrations of solidarity, and protesters will cooperate with Gardaí and stewards.

Members of the Galway Palestine Solidarity Campaign (GPSC) highlighted that a temporary cessation to the horrific onslaught on Gaza will do little to ease the suffering children.

Israeli forces have killed nearly 15,000 people in Gaza over the past seven weeks.

President Higgins condemns rioting in Dublin

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galway daily news far right rioters set buses on fire in dublin city centre

President Michael D Higgins has said that the thoughts of people across Ireland are with the children and families affected by the horrific attack outside Gaelscoil Coláiste Mhuire in Dublin city centre yesterday afternoon.

In a statement on Thursday night, President Higgins said we are particularly thinking of the 5-year-old girl and the member of staff caring for her who were stabbed in the attack.

Both are in a serious condition in hospitals in Dublin, and President Higgins said that all of our prayers are with each of them for a full recovery.

A boy aged 5 and a girl aged 6 years, who received less serious injuries, were also brought to hospital for treatment.

Groups of angry protesters then took to the streets following social media reports about the alleged nationality of the attacker.

Far-right hooligans attacked gardaí, set fire to a bus, the Luas and garda vehicles, and hurled fireworks and other objects, bringing Dublin city centre to a standstill.

Thirteen shops were attacked and looted and 34 people have been arrested.

President Higgins condemned the shocking scenes, saying the Gardaí deserve all of our support in dealing with the horrific incident.

He condemned any attempts by these groups to use the horrific attack to further their agenda.

“This appalling incident is a matter for the Gardaí and that it would be used or abused by groups with an agenda that attacks the principle of social inclusion is reprehensible and deserves condemnation by all those who believe in the rule of law and democracy.”

Scoil Chaitríona Junior wins Explorers national Ocean Champion Award

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Scoil Chaitríona Junior wins Explorers national Ocean Champion Award

Scoil Chaitríona Junior, Renmore has been crowned the national winner of the Explorers Ocean Champion School Awards 2023.

The Galway City primary school took home the crown for their Healthy Ocean project, ‘Caring for our Ocean’.

Scoil Chaitríona Junior applied themes of environmental care, cleaning up litter, and looking after the animals in the ocean across many different subjects throughout the year, from the sciences through to music and the arts.

They shared stories about the ocean with a primary school in France, performed at the Marino Institute of Further Education and at the Féile Scoildrámaíochta inter-school drama competition.

On behalf of the teachers, school principal Caitríona Daly said the award recognised their school’s commitment to learning about local areas – particularly their own seashore at Ballyloughane Beach.

“We’re also delighted to have received an EU Blue Schools Award. This award recognises the school’s effort to become ocean literate and for being an ocean champion!”

Mick Gillooly, Interim CEO of the Marine Institute said he was extremely impressed with the efforts of everyone involved.

“We were also extremely impressed with the school’s collaboration and engagement where the teachers and children worked with marine scientists from ATU to learn about seaweed and birdlife, and with artists through the Teacher Artist Partnership, as well as meeting with other marine educators.”

“These children stood out for their eagerness to learn about the animals in the ocean, and for sharing what they learnt with their community about protecting and caring for the ocean.”

“Bringing the topic of marine conservation to local, national and international platforms shows an incredible amount of commitment from the staff, children and their parents,” he added.

Scoil Bhride in Galway also won the Best Marine Outdoor School Project Award.

Twenty-eight coastal schools participated in this year’s competition, creating healthy ocean school projects based on themes including Marine STEAM, Ocean literacy, SDGs and Ocean and Marine Outdoor Education.

The Healthy Ocean School project and Ocean Champion Awards are organised through the Explorers Education Programme and are the only ocean-themed awards for primary schools in Ireland.

It recognises the effort, commitment and collaboration of school management boards, teachers, children, and the Explorer outreach officers who have engaged in the all-school, marine-themed project.

Planning permission for new Galway City Centre hotel

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Galway Daily news Planning permission for new Galway City Centre hotel

Planning permission has been granted again for a new Boutique Hotel on Nun’s Island in Galway City Centre.

An Bord Pleanála has upheld the approval for Hanoview Ltd to demolish two buildings on Nun’s Island; No. 26, a commercial building, and No. 34, a dwelling to its rear.

In their place, the developer plans to build a three-storey over part-basement boutique hotel, with 34 guest bedrooms.

Of the 34 bedrooms, the developer has said that 17 will be “pod” style compact rooms, to make more economic use of the site.

The hotel will contain a compact lounge and breakfast room for residents, neither of which will be open to the public.

Planning permission for the new hotel was granted by the city council back in March of 2022.

This decision was appealed to An Bord Pleanála by the owners of a property neighbouring those to be demolished.

The appeal raised concerns that the basement level could endanger the structural integrity of their property owing to its minimal foundations.

Other issues raised in the appeal concerned increased traffic on Nun’s Island, the lack of any car parking in the plans, and the scale of the design compared with the surrounding area.

An Bord Pleanála upheld the city council’s original decision to grant planning permission, attaching 21 revised conditions.

One condition of the board’s approval was that a construction methodology report must be prepared and agreed on with the city council before work commences.

This must indicate the means proposed to ensure the protection of the structural stability of the neighbouring property associated with the appeal.

Information Day for Older People’s Services in Galway City

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A public meeting will take place in Galway City on Friday to provide information about the range of services available for older people.

A public meeting will take place in Galway City on Friday to provide information about the range of services available for older people.

The Information Day is being hosted by the Galway Age Friendly Alliance and the Older Persons Councils for the City and County.

The event will run from 9:30am – 2pm on Friday, November 24 at The Hardiman Hotel in Eyre Square.

At the event, there will be a series of talks and information stands on a range of services including:

  • HSE Older Persons Services
  • A Directory of Services for Older People in Galway City & County
  • Living and Ageing Well
  • Safety & Security

This event is free, and everyone is welcome, however, to manage numbers, it is essential to book your place at the event as follows:

If you live in Galway City, please contact the Community Section of Galway City Council on 091 536 461 or e-mail agefriendly@galwaycity.ie

€1,000 reduction in college fees comes into effect

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Galway Daily news

A €1,000 reduction in undergraduate college fees has come into effect from today, with the money being returned to students’ accounts.

The reduction in fees was first announced as part of Budget 2024 as part of measures targeting the cost of education.

A reduction of up to €1,000 in undergraduate fees is now being applied to all free fees eligible students’ accounts.

This will see the fees of some 96,000 students across the country reduced by 33%, down to €2,000.

Students – or their families – who have paid the full student contribution of €3,000 are being refunded.

They have been asked to give their bank details to their higher education institution before the end of November to facilitate reimbursement of their €1,000 in December.

If bank details are not provided by the student, a credit will be applied to their account.

Speaking today, Minister Simon Harris said, “Budget 2024 introduced a series of measures to reduce the cost of education and put more money back in people’s pockets.

“The most significant measure was the reduction of college fees of €1,000 for the second year in a row.”

“Today, we set out how it will work. For the majority of students, there will be no action required. Fees will automatically reduce to €2,000 for all undergraduate students eligible for free fees.”

“If you are paying in instalments – as many families do- your second instalment will be reduced by up to €1,000 at the start of the second term in 2024.”

“If you paid in full, your college will refund you by the end of the year,” the Minister added.

Minister Harris also confirmed families earning under €100,000 may also be eligible for a €500 student contribution grant.

While applications have closed, students may be eligible to make a late application details are available on www.susi.ie.