Green Light for construction of new surgical hub at Merlin Park Hospital

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August 27, 2023

Bowling Green in Galway City centre will be closed to traffic for five days next week.

The city council has ordered the road closed 24/7 from Monday, August 28 through to Friday, September 1.

The closure is to allow for upgrade works on water infrastructure in the area to take place.

A temporary diversion route will be in place via Market Street and Abbeygate Street Upper.

Signage will be in place ahead of the road closure, and local access will be maintained throughout.

Man due before court in connection with major organised crime operation

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August 27, 2023

Galway Daily courts Man charged in connection with woman's death

One man is due to appear before court this morning in connection with a major Garda operation targeting organised crime amd drugs in Galway.

Gardai carried out raids in seven locations in Galway on Friday as part of Operation Tara.

During the course of these searches, suspected cocaine worth €47,000 was seized in addition to €39,490 in cash and ten designer watches (Rolex and Hublot).

Two cars and one van, all 2022 registered, were also seized during the operation.

Two men in their 30s were arrested during the course of this operation.

One of them has been charged and is due to appear before Galway Dustrict Court on Sunday morning.

The other man has been released without charge, and a file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Rescue helicopter saves man overboard in Galway Bay

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August 27, 2023

A man was rescued from the water in Galway Bay by the Coast Guard rescue helicopter on Friday afternoon.

Shortly after 1:30pm on Friday, the Coast Guard was alerted by emergency radio to a man overboard in Galway Bay.

Rescue 118, along with units of the Galway RNLI and Costello Coast Guard were immediately tasked to the scene.

The Shannon base Coast Guard Helicopter, which at the time was completing patient transfer to University Hospital Galway, was also placed on standby at Galway.

Shortly after arriving on the scene, Rescue 118 was able to locate the man and rescue him from the water.

He was provided with immediate medical assistance at the scene, before the helicopter brought him to University Hospital Galway.

Construction works on Wolfe Tone Pedestrian Bridge to begin on Monday

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August 26, 2023

galway daily news wolfe tone bridge construction

Construction works for the Wolf Tone Pedestrian Bridge II will begin on Monday, 28 August.

An area has been allocated to the appointed contractor, Kenny Civils for use as a construction compound for the duration of the works.

Should deployment of temporary flood defences be required during the construction period this will be accommodated.

As the scheme progresses on site, Galway City Council has advised that various temporary traffic management deployments will be required to facilitate construction works.

Initial temporary traffic management measures will require closure of the existing downstream footpath from Fish Market Square at the Spanish Arch to Claddagh Quay.

Temporary pedestrian diversion routes via the existing upstream footpath will be sign posted on site and subsequent traffic management deployments will be published in due course.

Completion of the Wolf Tone Pedestrian Bridge II scheme is programmed for the second quarter of 2024.

Two sailors rescued from badly damaged yacht

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August 26, 2023

galway daily news clifden rnli rescue yacht with two sailors in galway

The volunteer crew of Clifden RNLI rescued two sailors on board a stranded yacht on Friday after the vessel experienced difficulties to the south west of Inishark.

Both of Clifden’s lifeboats launched, first the Atlantic 85 helmed by Daniel Whelan with Shane Conneely and Chris Nee as crew.

They were followed by St. Christopher with John Mullen as Coxswain, James Mullen, Joe Acton, Neil Gallery and Alan Kearney as crew.

They were assisted from the shore by Tom Guy, John Heffernan and Sean Mercer. The sea conditions at the time were moderate, with force 5 wind and good visibility.

On arriving at the scene the crew found the sailors to be well and in good spirits however the propeller and rudder on their yacht had become badly entangled with ropes.

The lifeboat crew set about establishing a tow line and brought the casualty vessel and the passengers back to safety at Cleggan harbour.

Speaking about the rescue, Coxswain John Mullen said the sailors did the right thing in calling for assistance when they ran into difficulty, and he was delighted they were able to help.

“Our volunteer crew did a great job of ensuring a speedy, safe and successful operation. I’d like to thank the two sailors who kindly offered to buy breakfast for the crew after we reached the shore, the meal was most welcome after an early start and a busy morning saving lives at sea.”

Man released without charge following major Garda operation

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August 26, 2023

Galway Daily news missing teen found safe

One of the men (30s) who was arrested in connection with a major Garda operation on Friday has been released without charge.

Gardaí seized a number of items including cocaine, cash, cars, and designer watches in searches at seven locations in Galway city and county on Friday 25.

A file will now be prepared for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The other man arrested as part of the investigation into this seizure (also in his 30s) is still being detained under the provisions of Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007 at a Garda station in Galway.

Cash, cocaine, cars seized in Galway organised crime raids

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August 25, 2023

Gardaí seized cash, cocaine, cars, and designer watches in multiple raids across Galway City and County targeting organised crime today.

Raids were carried out in seven locations as part of Operation Tara in Galway on Friday.

During the course of these searches, suspected cocaine worth €47,000 was seized in addition to €39,490 in cash and ten designer watches (Rolex and Hublot).

Two cars and one van, all 2022 registered, were also seized during the operation.

Two men in their 30s have been arrested in connection with this seizure, and are currently detained at Garda Stations in Galway.

This operation was targeting drugs and organised crime in Galway.

It was conducted by the Galway Divisional Drugs Unit with support from the Galway District Drug Unit, the Armed Support Unit, the Divisional Search Team, the Galway Crime Unit and the Garda Dog Unit.

Number of families living in emergency accommodation rises in the west

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August 25, 2023

Galway Daily news Number of families living in emergency accommodation rises in the west

The number of families living in emergency accommodation in the west of Ireland increased in July, figures from the latest homelessness report show.

The Department of Housing’s figures for July show 101 families living in emergency accommodation in Galway, Mayo, and Roscommon, up from 97 the previous month.

Those families had a total of 212 child dependents, a monthly increase nine kids in emergency accommodation, and 58 of them are single parent families.

In Galway City & County there were 272 homeless adults last month, one more than was seen in June.

Of the 355 total homeless adults in those three western counties in July, 194 of them were men and 164 were women.

The greatest number of those without a home were aged from 25 – 44 years old, accounting for 172 of the total. Another 100 people aged between 45 – 64 years old were also homeless, 75 were between 18 – 24.

There were eight people aged 65 or even older living in emergency accommodation in the west last month.

Galway, Mayo, Roscommon allocated €330,000 for drugs and inclusion health services

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August 25, 2023

Galway Daily news Funding for service protecting Traveller women at risk of homelessness in Galway

Funding of €330,000 has been allocated for the continuation of drugs and inclusion health services by community groups in the west of Ireland.

Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton has today announced €3.5 million in annual funding to maintain existing level of drugs and inclusion health services.

From this CHO2, which is made up of counties Galway, Mayo, and Roscommon, will receive €330,000.

Minister Naughton said that this funding, “The recognises the important role of community and voluntary groups in providing drugs and inclusion health services, and acknowledges the increased costs of providing these essential services.”

These services, “meet the health needs of socially excluded groups, such as people who use drugs and people who are homeless,” Hildegarde Naughton added.

Eligible services by community and voluntary groups for this funding includes: drug services, primary healthcare projects for Travellers, healthcare for the homeless, and healthcare for refugees.

Between €330,000 and €445,000 is allocated to each CHO per annum to fund existing services, with the level of funding set based on the population of the area.

In addition, €500,000 extra is being allocated nationwide for cocaine and crack cocaine health services, with the Western Region Drug and Alcohol Task Force (WRDATF) & HSE Community Healthcare West Drugs Service (CHWDS) leading in Galway.

Roadworks at major Loughrea junction to cause traffic delays

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August 25, 2023

Roadworks at major Loughrea junction to cause traffic delays

Traffic delays are expected in Loughrea into next week due to roadworks taking place on a significant junction in the town.

Galway County Council is carrying out road improvement works at the junction of Moore Street and Bride Street in Loughrea.

The works began today, and are expected to take four days to complete, finishing on Monday, August 28.

The council notice said that a temporary road closure is in place from 8am – 5pm each day to allow these roadworks to take place.

Motorists in the area are advised to expect delays, and give themselves additional time to make journeys.

Green light for new Clifden Playschool

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August 25, 2023

Galway Daily news Green light for new Clifden Playschool

Galway County Council has given the green light for the construction of a new playschool in Clifden.

The planning application by Clifden Community Play-School Ltd is for the construction of a playschool on the grounds of Scoil Mhuire.

This is meant to replace the existing premises which have been in operation since 1992, and are no longer suitable according to the planning documents.

Planning permission was granted by the county council with 10 standard conditions attached, several of which were related to the management of traffic on sight.

The car parking layout for the site must include a properly demarcated set-down area, while also maintaining circulation of traffic.

There has been very strong local support for the project, with 14 letters of support submitted by local organisations, and no objections to the plans.

The Galway Childcare Committee’s letter stated that allowing this playschool on the grounds of Scoil Mhuire will, “reap ongoing benefits in terms of continuity of relationships for families, will ease transitions for children between settings, and will enable the creation of more places for families to avail of in early years services.

The Racecourse Lawns Residents Association said that over half of their homeowners are families with school aged children who would benefit from this development.

“The proposed plans for the new community playschool offer an exciting and much needed opportunity to provide a modern early years childcare facility plus wrap around services for school aged children in Clifden and surrounding areas.”

The Board of Management of Scoil Mhuire said that the school “fully supports” the application by the Community Playschool to move onto their grounds.

Forum Connemara, a local development company aimed at tackling rural decline, wrote that they “wholeheartedly endorse” the planning application.

“This project will allow Clifden Community Playschool to broaden their support services to families with small children by facilitating parents in their working lives and giving access to Early Years Education for their students.”

Other letters were also received from the Archdiocese of Tuam, Children’s Disability Network Team in Spiddal, Clifden Town Hall, and more.

Top-Rated Casinos in Galway

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Thomas O'Brien

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August 25, 2023

With just over 80,000 inhabitants, Galway may not be a big city, but on a cultural level there is always something going on in The City of Tribes. This is mainly thanks to the city’s ongoing festivals, events, and celebrations which has added to the city marketing of Galway.

Labelled the European Capital for Culture in 2020, the harbour city is one of the best places to visit when in Ireland. This also true for those with a strong interest in gambling activities are there are different brick and mortar gambling venues found in the city.

In this short list we’ll go through a few of the top-rated casinos in Galway. If you’ve got Galway on your bucket list make sure to include the casinos as found below.

The Eglinton Casino & Card Club

The city’s most popular casino is definitely The Eglinton Casino & Card Club which most locals will confirm. Established in 2007, this venue has managed to promote itself as the first casino in the western part of the country. One of the good things about this casino is that it’s easily accessible as the venue is found at Eglinton street, which is right in the city centre. Both on foot and by car or public transport, you won’t have to worry about finding this casino as it’s hard to miss The Eglinton Casino & Card Club.

With a vast range of fruit machines and different table games, all sorts of players will enjoy themselves as they can count on differently themed fruit machines and table games like blackjack and poker. The latter is also one of the casino’s most important attractions as there are frequent tournaments. These tournaments focus on Omaha Hold’em and Texas Hold’em which are two of the most popular poker variants out there.

Players on the casino floor will get complimentary alcoholic beverages from the house as well as snacks and other drinks like coffee or tea. Fizzy drinks will be charged, which is sometimes to take into account during your visit. For those that want to grab a bite in Galway, there is also a restaurant that offers both local and international specialties. This venue is open 24/7 which means that players can go there at any time to make their real money wagers. Make sure to visit their website to check out the casino’s latest events and tournaments.

Caesars Palace Casino

Within a 15 minute drive from The Eglinton Casino & Card Club, visitors of Galway can also try their luck at Caesars Palace Casino which can be found at the Upper Salthill Road, which is located at a short two-minute walk from the Claude Toft Park. The Caesars Palace Casino is also a midsize gambling venue that manages to attract the crowds thanks to its well known bingo hall. The bingo hall offers space to more than 200 players, offering both electronic bingo and traditional bingo.

Other than that, there is also an arcade hall to be enjoyed. This is where all sorts of fruit machines can be found as well as electronic versions of roulette and video poker. Unlike The Eglinton Casino & Card Club, there are no table games to be found at this establishment which means that blackjack, baccarat, and poker enthusiasts will need to try their luck elsewhere. Alternatively, you can find numerous websites dedicated to comparing casinos that offer a diverse selection of real-money casino games with accompanying offers.

Visitors of Caesars Palace Casino can count on coffee and tea from the house whilst the same is true for small snacks. Sports fans will be delighted to find out that major sports games are broadcasted live on the TV’s found across the establishment. Caesars Palace Casino is also open 24/7 and gives its frequent visitors the opportunity to become part of the loyalty club. Interestingly, this venue also offers an online gambling platform that includes a bonus upon online registration.

See You Soon in Galway

The number of two casinos in the city of Galway may not sound impressive to some, but for a city with a population of around 80,000, having more than one casino is actually not bad at all. Add the countless landmarks, squares, festivals and other cultural attractions in the city to the gambling entertainment and we’re sure that all visitors will have the opportunity to entertain themselves at any time of the day. There are about 20 casinos and gambling establishments found in the country with Galway once again playing an important role.

Finlay Bealham and Mack Hansen among starting XV for Samoa game

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August 25, 2023

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

Finlay Bealham and Mack Hansen will be among the starting XV for Ireland in the final Rugby World Cup warm up game this weekend.

The full matchday squad has been named for Ireland’s face off against Samoa in Bayonne on Saturday evening.

Representing Connacht, Bealham will be among the forwards and Hansen is starting in the back three.

Saturday evening’s match comes just two weeks ahead of Ireland’s world cup opener against Romania, in what promises to be the most highly anticipated tournament in a long time.

Iain Henderson returns to the second row to captain Ireland on Saturday night, having done so against Italy in Dublin at the start of the month.

Jimmy O’Brien, Mack Hansen and Keith Earls, fresh from winning his 100th Test cap last weekend, start in the back three, withRobbie Henshaw and Stuart McCloskey in midfield.

There is an all Munster half-back pairing as Jack Crowley and Conor Murraystart at out-half and scrum-half respectively.

In the pack, Cian Healy and Finlay Bealham are selected either side of Tom Stewart, who is set for his first Ireland start having made his debut off the bench against Italy.

Henderson partners Tadhg Beirne in the engine room, with Ryan Baird, Josh van der Flier and Caelan Doris completing the starting XV.

Saturday’s match will kick-off at 7:45pm Irish time, and will be broadcast live on RTÉ 2 and Amazon Prime.

Ireland v Samoa matchday squad:

15. Jimmy O’Brien (Leinster/Naas)(6)
14. Mack Hansen (Connacht/Corinthians)(15)
13. Robbie Henshaw (Leinster/Buccaneers)(64)
12. Stuart McCloskey (Ulster/Bangor)(13)
11. Keith Earls (Munster/Young Munster)(100)
10. Jack Crowley (Munster/Cork Constitution)(5)
9. Conor Murray (Munster/Garryowen)(106)

1. Cian Healy (Leinster/Clontarf)(124)
2. Tom Stewart (Ulster/Ballynahinch)(1)
3. Finlay Bealham (Connacht/Buccaneers)(31)
4. Iain Henderson (Ulster/Academy)(captain)(73)
5. Tadhg Beirne (Munster/Lansdowne)(40)
6. Ryan Baird (Leinster/Dublin University)(12)
7. Josh van der Flier (Leinster/UCD)(51)
8. Caelan Doris (Leinster/St Mary’s College)(30)

Replacements:

16. Rob Herring (Ulster/Ballynahinch)(36)
17. Jeremy Loughman (Munster/Garryowen)(2)
18. Tom O’Toole (Ulster/Ballynahinch)(10)
19. James Ryan (Leinster/UCD)(54)
20. Peter O’Mahony (Munster/Cork Constitution)(95)
21. Craig Casey (Munster/Shannon)(11)
22. Ross Byrne (Leinster/UCD)(20)
23. Garry Ringrose (Leinster/UCD)(51).

Nearly 3,500 students in Galway getting Leaving Cert results today

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August 25, 2023

Galway daily news Almost 3,500 Galway students receiving Leaving Cert results

The nail-biting wait is over for Nearly 3,500 young people in Galway who are receiving their Leaving Cert Result this morning.

There are 3,274 pupils in Galway who sat the regular Leaving Cert this year, and a further 131 who took the Leaving Cert Applied.

Across the country, some 58,006 took the standard Leaving Cert this year, and another 3,730 are getting their result for the Leaving Cert Applied.

The results being provided to candidates today are the product of adjusted examinations and a post-marking adjustment.

The post-marking adjustment has resulted in boosted results to bring them closer in line with the past two years, rather than pre-pandemic results.

This came after the Minister for Education confirmed in February that there would be no ‘cliff-edge’ return to pre-pandemic grade profiles this year.

The State Examinations Commissions later confirmed that results for 2023 should be on the aggregate no lower than 2022.

The SEC has said that no marks were adjusted downwards as a result of this process, and that the relative positive of students to each other was maintained.

Minister for Education Norma Foley congratulated the 62,000 students who are getting their exam results today.

“Today brings enormous reward and recognition for all your hard work and dedication over the past number of years, including through challenging times.”

“This is an exciting occasion in your life, filled with the prospects of the many great and varied opportunities that lie ahead. To all of you receiving results today, I wish you every success and happiness as you embark on the next stage in your life.”

“Whether the next step on your journey will take you to work, an apprenticeship, further or higher education, or other possibilities, I hope you can enjoy today and reflect on all that you have achieved so far to bring you to this point.”

Respond building 101 social housing units across Galway

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August 25, 2023

Galway Daily news Homelessness in Galway spiked in late 2023

Respond, one of Ireland’s largest approved housing bodies, is on track to deliver more than 100 new social housing units in Galway.

The approved housing body has 101 homes currently under construction in Galway, after completing 87 new social homes across the county in 2022.

Respond now owns and operates 375 homes here in Galway, accommodating a total of 681 tenants in the city and county.

Respond is on track to triple the number of social and cost rental homes it has in construction nationwide to over 4,100 in the coming months, expanding its construction programme over the next 12 months to €2 billion.

These figures were announced as Respond’s Annual Report 2022 was launched by the Housing Minister this week.

Respond Spokesperson Niamh Randall said, “Our Annual Report details the ongoing effort and commitment of our development and housing teams to help alleviate the urgent need for more social and cost rental housing across the country.”

“Our focus is on adding to the national housing stock, and the Fixed Price Contracts we have agreed with several developers mean we could quickly triple the number of social and cost rental homes we have in construction to 4,100 with Government support.”

“These are large scale, development projects which will provide the volume of homes desperately needed, while also building inclusive, long-term sustainable communities.”

Respond has begun construction on 3,347 homes since March 2018, and now manages 7,084 properties providing homes for 16,541 tenants.

Last year it delivered 484 new social and cost rental homes and commenced construction of a further 460 homes, despite rising construction costs.

Respond focuses on building new social housing, rather than buying existing properties, which they estimate saves up to €60,000 per unit compared to a housing acquisition model.

Minister Darragh O’Brien said, “Through the hard work of Approved Housing Bodies like Respond, our social and cost rental housing supply is increasing and we are going in the right direction.”

“Increasing supply is at the heart of Housing for All and is key to ensuring families can secure accommodation at affordable prices and that our housing market functions effectively. Respond’s work is critical in helping us towards achieving these aims.”

In addition to social housing, in 2022 Respond provided early learning and school aged care services for 638 children; emergency accommodation for 161 homeless families; integration assistance for 150 refugees; and helped 244 older people live independently.

Cordero out of action for Connacht due to knee injury

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August 25, 2023

Cordero out of action for Connacht due to knee injury — Photo: Connacht Rugby

Santiago Cordero will be out of action for Connacht for the foreseeable future due to a knee injury sustained this week.

Cordero suffered a knee injury during a training session with the club earlier this week, which is taking him out of play.

The Argentinian international will see a specialist over the coming days to the determine the appropriate rehabilitation plan.

Head Coach Pete Wilkins said that this was disappointing news for everyone, adding that Santiago has made a great impression with everyone during his first few days at the Sportsground.

“In that short period he has fully embraced his new life in the province and has already been taken with the warmth of the welcome he has received.”

“His injury is a cruel blow for him personally and we’ll do everything as a club to support him and his young family in the weeks and months ahead, while he undergoes his rehab.”

“I’m sure the news will also be disappointing for the supporters, but Santi is a resilient character who will be determined to come back even better and stronger.”

Connacht announced the signing of the full back/winger back in March, bringing him on in a two year deal.

The Argentinian moved to the west from Bordeaux Begles, where he scored 29 tries in 67 appearances for the club across four seasons.

Prior to his move to France, Cordero spent two seasons with the Exeter Chiefs, where he scored 10 tries in 33 appearances.

While there, he also took home the Gallagher Premiership Player of the Month award, and was nominated for the prestigious RPA Player of the Year award in 2019.

On the international scene, the 29-year old has made 45 appearances for Argentina. His performances at the 2015 Rugby World Cup earned him significant plaudits across the world, helping his native country to a 4th place finish in the tournament.

He beat 31 defenders, more than any other player in the tournament, and also came 2nd in clean breaks and 3rd in metres run.

Traffic management plans for Rahoon Graveyard Mass

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August 24, 2023

Galway Daily news County Council seeks sites for Connemara cemeteries

Galway City Council has confirmed traffic management plans ahead of Rahoon Graveyard Mass on Sunday, 10 September.

Gates will be open from 8am to 8pm between Monday 4 and Friday 8 September to allow for preparations for Cemetery Sunday.

On Sunday 10 September, due to space restrictions, only vehicles carrying persons with restricted mobility or displaying a Disabled Person’s Parking Card or Permit will be permitted access to the cemetery grounds.

Galway City Council has reminded the public that the gates will close to all traffic at 11am sharp for traffic management purposes.

For safety reasons, vehicles will not be permitted to leave the cemetery for 30 minutes following the Mass to allow for pedestrian exit in the first instance.

This mass will be streamed live via http://studiorove.ie/graveyardmass/

Rollout of broadand plan must be accelerated to meet targets

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August 24, 2023

Galway Daily news Work underway to deliver fibre broadband for 2,500 homes in East Galway

Local TD Seán Canney has called on National Broadband Ireland (NBI) and the Government to accelerate the rollout of the National Broadband Plan.

He said that they need to accelerate the rollout if they are to achieve the target of 96% of all houses and premises to have access to fibre optic broadband connection by 2026.

In a reply from NBI, Deputy Canney said he received confirmation that in July, the plan fell short of the initial projection of having 250,000 houses passed.

He accepted that Covid was a delaying factor, but said we are way past that issue and are now into the fourth year of a five to seven-year project timescale to deliver the National Broadband Plan.

“The state led intervention aims to roll out a high speed and future proofed broadband network within the intervention area which covers 1.1 million people living and working in over 560,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms along with some 679 schools,” said the Independent TD.

“With 4 years of the plan period gone and 3 years left there is just 27% of the 560,00 premises passed now is the time to evaluate progress and put the necessary implementation plan in place to ensure with react our targets which were set out in the Plan.”

Best of Galway showcased at Milwaukee Irish Fest

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August 24, 2023