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Unsafe ‘Barbie drug’ being promoted on social media

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galway daily news fake tan aid melanotan warning 2023
Fennell Photography 2023

People in Galway have been reminded that the so-called self-tanning aid Melanotan is unsafe and may cause serious, long-term health problems.

The product, also referred to as Melanotan 2 or MT2, is commonly sold as an injectable powder or in the form of drops and nasal sprays.

Serious side effects of taking Melanotan include new moles, darkening of existing moles and freckles, potential loss of vision, muscle tremors, stroke and anaphylaxis.

The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) is concerned that products containing Melanotan 2 are increasingly being targeted towards young people by using bright colours, flavours, and branding.

They noted a marked increase in activity on social media illegally advertising the sale and promotion of such products, removing over 500 social media or e-commerce listings relate to melanotan between July 2022 and June 2023.

The HPRA said that it will continue to take action against individuals using social media and e-commerce to advertise and supply of products containint Melanotan 2, including the removal of content and accounts, and prosecution if there is significant risk to public health.

According to Grainne Power, Director of Compliance with the HPRA, this substance continues to be advertised for cosmetic purposes online despite known side effects.

“A substance like Melanotan 2 poses a threat to someone’s health. There is no safety data to support its use, with no guarantees as to its quality, safety or effectiveness,” said Ms Power.

Environmental awards to recognise individuals for first time

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aran islands pakman awards
2019 Pakman Awards winners, Athchursail Árann (Aran Islands Co-op Recycling Project)

The 2023 Repak Pakman Awards will close for entries in just under three weeks’ time on 31 August 2023, with a new category being introduced to recognise individuals for the first time.

In its ninth year, the country’s environmental awards celebrate excellence in recycling and waste management across organisations, businesses, and community groups.

The Pakman awards are widely recognised as one of the most prestigious accolades in the environmental sector for those who show a commitment to sustainability.

Previous winners from Galway include Ballinasloe Tyre Centre and Aran Islands Co-Op Recycling Project.

A total of 12 categories will be awarded this year, including the new ESG Leader category recognising individuals, the Community Recycling Initiative Award, the Plastic Pledge Award, and the Business Recycling Champion Award.

Entrants are invited to submit examples of their environmental efforts from the past twelve months, with details of all categories available at https://pakmanawards.repak.ie/.

Winners will be announced at this year’s award ceremony, which will be held on the 26 October 2023 at The Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin

Séamus Clancy, CEO of Repak said that the introduction of the ESG Leader category in the Pakman Awards allows individual people within their 3,400 membership group to showcase their efforts.

“The ESG category acknowledges and emphasises the importance of environmental sustainability, social responsibility and effective governance in waste management practices,” he said.

“By recognising these aspects, The Pakman Awards aims to highlight the broader impact of recycling and waste management beyond environmental considerations.”

Call for RTÉ Register of Interests to be made available to public

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Galway Daily news Planning enforcement "virtually non-existent" due to underfunding

A Galway East TD has called for transparency in RTÉ’s new Register of Interests, saying that money paid to on-air staff for external sponsorship events should be made available to the public.

Deputy Ciarán Cannon made his remarks following weekend media reports that the Register of Interests may not be accessible to the public.

“I understand that the NUJ’s General Secretary, Mr Séamus Dooley stated that he doesn’t see this as being a public document,” the Fine Gael TD said.

“He made a distinction between a register for politicians being in the public interest, saying that the interests of journalists should be made available to the employer, but not necessarily to the public.

“I think that Mr Dooley is referring to a Register of Interests for RTÉ staff that would be similar to the SIPO Register – that is not what is required here.”

Deputy Cannon said that since the RTÉ payments story first broke, he has been clear that if any broadcaster, whether permanent or contract, is receiving payments from any corporate entity, then the public must know so that we can determine whether that broadcaster can be trusted to be impartial when speaking on particular matters.

“The publication of this Register of Interest is critical if public trust in RTÉ is to be restored and that they are to be reassured that the highest standards of journalism and public service broadcasting are being achieved,” he said.

“RTÉ needs to model its register on the BBC’s register. The BBC register requires on-air talent in news and current affairs, sports news and radio journalism roles to declare earnings from work undertaken outside of the BBC, including speaking engagements or corporate events.

“Senior leaders are also required to declare any external engagements and seek written approval from a divisional head of department before signing up to them.

“This register is updated and published on a monthly basis, so members of the public can see any corporate involvement presenters have outside of their BBC role.

“Tim Davie, the BBC Director General took up his role in September 2020. He established the register within a couple of months of his new tenure and its first publication featured all engagements from January 2021.”

New Agri-Food Regulator must tackle “cartel-like behaviour”

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galway daily news green party organic farmers galway funding farming farm

The new Agri-Food Regulator must be able to address anti-competitive practices and ensure transparency in the agri-food supply chain, a local TD has said.

The new Agri-Food Regulator will be established over the coming months after legislation was introduced last month.

But Roscommon-Galway TD Claire Kerrane warns that the regulator currently does not have the remit to address anti-competitive practices in the supply chain.

Speaking this week, the Sinn Féin TD welcomed the establishment of an Agri-Food Regulator, but raised concerns about their ability to address “anti-competitive practices and cartel-like behaviours”.

“This is an issue that we have heard loud and clear throughout the consultation and legislative process,” she said.

“Farmers want a Regulator that is able to tackle anti-competitive practices and ensure transparency across the agri-food supply chain. This was supposed to be one of the main objectives of the legislation.”

Deputy Kerrane said that despite Sinn Féin’s efforts to ensure these powers were included in the scope of the new Regulator, the Minister refused to do so.

“Myself and my colleague Matt Carthy put forward amendments to include that focus on competition as part of the scope of the Regulator, but they were rejected by the Minister and his Government at every stage of the process.

“We want to see an Agri-Food Regulator that is equipped to act on unfair and anti-competitive practices. That we have a Regulator that cannot do so flies in the face of a clear ask from farmers and primary producers.”

How to Convert Live Streams Using Video Converters

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At the moment, we live in a digital world where platforms like TikTok have become very popular among users of all categories. In this regard, the need to convert live broadcasts to MP4 format has become in great demand. These actions allow you to share your broadcasts with people and save them to your computer for future viewing and analysis. To make a quality conversion, first of all, you need to choose the best free video compressor, which will have many functions and tools that will help you create a good video study guide, which will detail the steps you need to follow to complete the live video conversion process. Read this article to the end and make sure you are doing everything right.

Guide on How to Convert Live Broadcast in the Program

Thanks to new technologies, users have the opportunity to download videos from live broadcasts directly to their computers. To do this successfully, first of all, you need to choose a reliable video converter, like Wondershare UniConverter, which has collected many useful features and tools for high-quality video conversion. Once you decide on the best program, you can get to work. Below, we will provide you with a detailed guide on how to convert live stream to video quickly and error-free.

  • Initially, you need to copy the link to the broadcast and paste it into the browser line.
  • After that, you need to download the live broadcast using a special address. Some software allows you to automatically save videos to the same link.
  • Most programs allow you to download videos with resolutions from 480p to 4K. However, more professional applications support resolutions such as 8K and audio at maximum speed.
  • After the broadcast is uploaded to the platform, you must select the “Edit” section and then “Manage”.
  • Next, you can see the file options from which you need to select the desired video and then click on “Convert”.
  • The conversion process is as fast as possible, so it won’t take you long to finish the file.
  • After the work is completed, you must click on the “Save” button and select the desired directory.

As you can see, converting live broadcasts to video format is a fairly simple and fast process. It is only important to choose reliable software and read the detailed guide, which will describe each subsequent step. Try not to rush and smoothly move from one point to another, so as not to make a mistake and get a quality result.

How to Download a File to a Computer

Some users face difficulties while saving the stream to MP4, so our experts decided to tell you more about it. The process of downloading a file is the simplest of all work with video converters, however, it is important to consider such points as:

  • Video resolution.
  • Compatibility with certain software.
  • Compatible with your computer’s operating system.

You can also use the Aiseesoft program, which allows you to not only convert and edit videos but also download them without quality loss. To tell a video from any platform, you will need to insert a link to the broadcast and click only one button “Download”. Even a novice user can easily cope with this task, so you don’t have to worry about your success.

Conclusion

At the moment, a lot of users are wondering how to convert live video to video with the help of software. For most people, this task seems too difficult and unrealistic, but it is not. To convert your broadcast into a video that you can save on your computer and later share with friends, you do not need to perform complex actions. First of all, you need to choose a reliable video converter and read the manual from our experts, which will describe the work process in detail. Try to refer exclusively to proven programs that have a huge number of useful features and tools with which you can achieve maximum results.

 

Four Galway community groups awarded funding for special transport vehicles

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Galway Daily news Four Galway community groups awarded funding for special transport vehicles

Four charity groups in Galway have been awarded grant funding for special vehicles to transport cancer patients or those with mobility issues.

Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys has announced just over €2 million in funding for community groups to purchase special transport vehicles today.

In Galway, Coiste Spreagadh na nAosach Carna has received a €80,159 grant for a wheelchair accessible bus.

The Irish Red Cross will get €50,000 for a one panel van based ambulance in Galway, and another €45,000 for a van which will be converted to a wheelchair enabled patient transport minibus.

Finally, the Brothers of Charity in Galway have been awarded €29,600 for a passenger vehicle to transport those in their care.

“It is wonderful to be supporting these vital services in our community,” Minister Heather Humphreys said announcing the funding.

“Each of the recipients of funding today play a critical role providing essential services to members of the public who are most in need, including by bringing them free of charge, to cancer treatment and to day care centres.”

Overall, Minister Humphreys announced €2,026,853 under Measure 2 of the CLÁR Programme – supporting the purchase of a record 37 vehicles in rural communities.

“They also provide essential transport services for blood samples and medication and, equally important, delivering search and rescue services.”

“We owe a huge debt of gratitude to these organisations and the individuals who work with them and it is my great pleasure to support them through this investment.”

Successful applications under Measures 1, Developing Community Facilities and Amenities, and 3, Our Islands, of CLÁR 2023 will be announced at a later date.

Water outages expected in Loughrea tomorrow

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Galway Daily news Water outages expected in Loughrea tomorrow

Multiple areas of Loughrea can expect to experience water outages on Thursday while infrastructure works take place.

Uisce Eireann is carrying out mains rehabilitation works on the east side of Loughrea tomorrow.

In order to facilitate these works multiple neighbourhoods will have their water supply cut off from 10am to 4pm.

The affected areas in Loughrea include Cross Street, Baunoge, Mount Pleasant, An Sruthán, and the Portumna Road.

Tuam Bypass closing for surveying works to take place

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Galway Daily news Tuam Bypass reopening

The N17 Tuam Bypass will be closed to traffic from this evening, with motorists advised of diversion routes.

The Tuam Bypass is being closed from 7:30pm on the evening of Wednesday, August 9 until 5am on Thursday morning.

The closure is to allow for surveying works, and motorists are advised to take a different route.

The road will be closed both northbound and southbound between the R332 Ballygaddy Road Junction and the M17 Kilmore Roundabout.

Full diversions will be in place for the duration of the works.

In other traffic new motorists are being advised to avoid the R344 in the Inagh Valley after heavy rainfall damaged part of the embankment.

The regional route in Connemara has been reduced to one lane of traffic as a result of this damage.

Traffic lights will be in place for the coming days for traffic management purposes.

Enjoy a bubbly National Prosecco Day at the HYDE Bar

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Enjoy a bubbly National Prosecco Day at the HYDE Bar

This Sunday, August 13 is National Prosecco Day, and if you ever needed an excuse to enjoy a few glasses of bubbly goodness, HYDE are ready to mark the occasion with a fantastic get-together.

The city-centre spot, located just a short walk from Eyre Square, is the place to be for National Prosecco Day if you fancy some delicious culinary delights with a few glasses of glorious prosecco.

HYDE are welcoming everyone to book tables for this get-together in advance, and they are looking forward to hosting a fab time between 11 am and 4 pm – ideal for a few hours with a bunch of pals or your bestie.

After all, what could be better than some brunchtastic cuisine and a few glasses of sparkling goodness? HYDE will have the option of a two-course brunch.

If you go for this option, you’ll be able to avail of the “bottomless” prosecco add-on (two-hour time limit) to keep the weekend vibes flowing, and this is priced at €30 per person.

So, go ahead and add a fun twist to your end-of-weekend wind-down with National Prosecco Day at HYDE.

Why not book your table for this event and give yourself something fab to look forward to in HYDE this Sunday.

They promise a fizztastic time and a corking-great atmosphere in a boho-chic Galway City-centre locale.

To book, simply email info@hydebargalway.ie

sponsored by the Connacht Hospitality Group

Galway Pride Parade returns to the streets this week

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Galway Daily news Galway Pride Parade returns to the streets this week
Galway Pride parade down Shop Street - Photo by Avi Ratnayake

Galway Pride Week 2023 is underway this week with a fantastic lineup of events, anchored as always by the Pride Parade this weekend.

The annual Galway Pride Parade will take place in Galway City this Saturday, August 12, starting at the City Hall at 1pm.

Pride Week 2023 began on Monday with the Flag Raising event in Eyre Square, and there’s plenty of fun, engaging, and educational events taking place across the city this week.

An arts exhibition will be running at Áras na Gael throughout the week, with doors open from 12pm to 5pm each day.

Later on Wednesday evening, a candlelit vigil will be held at the Spanish Arch from 6:30pm.

For those looking to get out and mingle tonight, the Traffic Light Dating Night will be on at Áras na Gael at 7:30pm on Wedmesday, with music in Monroes Tavern from 8pm.

For those hoping to enjoy a bit of better weather this week, Pride With Pets at Fr Burke Park will give people a chance to mingle with their best buds from 3pm to 8pm on Thursday.

Also that day, A panel on Representation in Media will run at the Portershed from 4pm to 6pm.

Plenty of fun at the Pálás Cinema on Thursday as well, with Trivia Night with Sam’s Collective taking place at 6pm, and the Queer Cinema Club running that night at 9:30pm.

On Friday a HIV Panel will take place at Áras na Mac Léinn in University of Galway at 12:30pm, and the Amach! Community Hub & Archives Exhibition will open at 6pm.

That evening, experience some Rad Trad le Devon Diva at An Taibhdhearc Bar from 7pm, or slip over to the yard Party at Áras na Gael taking place at 8pm.

Saturday of course features the Pride Parade, as well as Family Picnic at Fr Burke Parke where the Parade ends immediately afterwards.

Experience the Rainbow Umbrella Market at Massimo in the westend from 2pm to 6pm on Saturday, as well as more music and cinema at the Roisín Dubh and Pálás.

Pride Week comes to a close on Sunday, with the Pride on Wheels and Pride Swim both taking place at midday at Raven’s Terrace and Blackrock Diving Tower respectively.

The last event of the week will film screenings taking place at the Pálás Cinema from 6:30pm to 8:30pm that evening.

Those are just a few of the many events you can still catch for Galway Pride Week 2023. For the full programme of fun and informative events, go to galwaypride.ie/pride-week.

Last chance to avail of €5 Bulky Goods Collection

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galway daily news €5 bulky goods waste collection

There are a few days left for households in Galway to avail of a bulky goods waste collection initiative in the city and county this month.

The City and County Councils are running a €5 Bulky Goods anti-dumping initiative which began at the end of July, and will continue until this Saturday, August 12.

The collection is running at the Tuam, Clifden, and Ballinasloe Civic Amenity Sites, along with the Barna Recycling facility on the Headford Road in Galway City.

For €5, people can recycle three-piece suites, wardrobes, bedside lockers, mattresses, bed frames, dining tables and chairs.

Galway city and county councils have reminded the public that this service must be booked online via the Barna Recycling website before arriving at any of the sites.

Pre-booking is essential to avail of the €5 gate fee and regular gate and weighbridge fees will be incurred if people arrive at sites without prior online booking of the service.

The service is for householders only, and commercial operators will be turned away.

The local authorities have said that items which will not be accepted include construction and demolition waste, hazardous waste, bags of household waste, toys, trampolines, ceramic and textiles.

LEADER funding available to small food businesses

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Galway Daily news City Council invites applications to lease allotments

Small food businesses have been encouraged this week to apply to the LEADER Food Initiative (LFI). 

The initiative was originally allocated €15 million by the government to support the development of food and beverage businesses in rural Ireland.

Of the allocated amount, at least €883,000 in funding has become available for various reasons, e.g. project withdrawals, or projects completing for less than the grant amount approved.

 

This new call is specifically targeted towards on-farm diversification enterprises as well as artisan, micro and small food businesses.

The maximum amount of funding permitted per project under this call is €200,000 and funding proposals must not be for less than €5,000 per project.

Projects must be fully completed by 31 March 2024. 

Announcing the final call for applications, Ministers Heather Humphreys TD, Charlie McConalogue TD and Senator Pippa Hackett urged Local Action Groups and their Implementing Partners to engage with potential applicants for this funding in their areas.

They are asked to submit any project proposals they may have to the Department of Rural and Community Development seeking funding approval in principle for these projects.

All project proposals for this call must be submitted by the LAG and their Implementing Partners to food1420@drcd.gov.ie by 5.30pm on 31 August 2023.

Road closure at Inagh Valley due to heavy rainfall

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galway daily news r344 inagh valley galway road closed
image: Google Maps

Galway County Council has alerted road users that a section of the R344 in the Inagh Valley will be reduced to one lane of traffic for the coming days.

The closure was announced this afternoon after recent heavy rain affected a part of the embankment of the R344.

Traffic lights will be in place for the coming days for traffic management purposes.

Galway County Council apologised for any inconvenience these works may cause.

Grant funding for exciting new exhibition at Galway City Museum

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Galway Daily news Grant funding for exciting new exhibition at Galway City Museum

Galway City Museum has been allocated funding for an exciting new exhibition of silver and stone artifacts dating back to the town’s medieval history.

The museum has been awarded €13,875 under the Regional Museum Exhibitions Scheme 2023 for ‘Medieval Galway: Silver and Stone’.

This is a new exhibition that will focus on the craftsmanship of the time, with a display of silver and stone artefacts associated with the medieval town.

It will include new displays cases for the Galway Sword and Mace, symbols of the Crown which were used by Mayors in official duties for over two centuries.

Photo: Galway City Museum

The sword was crafted by local silversmiths in the early 17th century, with a blade taken from an older German fighting sword.

Its accompanying silver mace was made in Dublin during the 18th century, and bears the national insignias of England (rose), France (fleur-de-lis) Scotland (thistle) and Ireland (harp).

It also carries Galway’s coat of arms, and the Eyre family crest on behalf of Edward Eyre, who donated it to the city.

A total funding of €174,434 is being allocated to 16 museums under the 2023 scheme which was announced today.

Projects funded under this Scheme seek to enhance the cultural offering of museums, to encourage greater access to museums and to promote the use of museums as tourism resources in their locality or region.

Minister Catherine Martin said, “Our local and regional museums are an extremely important resource for accessing culture and heritage in towns and villages across the country, and I am very pleased to be able to support their renewal and development through the Regional Museum Exhibition Scheme.”

“Funding provided under this scheme allows local and regional bodies to continue to enhance their exhibitions, which improves the cultural offering for their communities and visitors.”

“The funding provided under this scheme over the years has allowed these cultural bodies to continue to enhance the presentation of their exhibitions and improve the cultural offering to the communities they serve.”

Heavy overcrowding at UHG today with dozens on trolleys

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Galway Daily news 67 people on trolleys at UHG

UHG is the second most overcrowded hospital in the country today, with an eye watering 61 patients on trolleys.

In the emergency department at University Hospital Galway there are 45 patients admitted waiting for a bed, and another 16 people on trolleys in the wards.

At Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe there are another 15 patients who have been admitted with no bed available.

Of these, 10 people are waiting on trolleys in the emergency department, and another five are in the wards.

Nationwide there are 448 patients with no beds for them in Irish hospitals today according to INMO Trolley/Ward Watch figures.

University Hospital Limerick is the worst affected as usual, with 88 patients there going without a bed.

UHG reported last week that the hospital was dealing with COVID-19 outbreaks in multiple wards, putting services under great pressure.

Visiting restrictions were imposed on all five wards, where 28 virus cases were reported last Tuesday.

Planning approval for upgrades to Merlin Park wastewater pumping station

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Galway Daily news €13 million Athenry sewer upgrades

Planning approval has been granted for upgrades to Merlin Park Pumping Station to improve its wastewater storage capacity.

Uisce Eireann has received planning permission from the city council for the construction of a new 949m³ underground storage tank, along with associated site works.

The existing 1,500mm diameter surface water sewer at the pumping station will be diverted to avoid the new storage tank.

The new tank is needed to reduce the frequency of emergency overflows in the network due to its current lack of emergency storage.

Merlin Park PS is connected with Oranmore pumping station, and discharges further downstream at Renmore WWPS.

Currently, Merlin Park takes precedence over Oranmore during storms due to the lack of emergency storage capacity here. This can cause flow to backup at Oranmore, resulting in overflows.

The new storage tank is meant to alleviate pressure on the network, and accommodate new development at Ardaun.

Planning permission was ultimately granted by the city council for the pumping station upgrade with eleven conditions attached.

Local Gort activists granted leave to seek judicial review of Biogas Plant plans

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Galway Daily news Public meeting to discuss approval of Gort BioGas plant
Photo Credit: Vasyatka

Local Activists have launched a court challenge against planning approval for a proposed Biogas Plant in Gort.

The Gort Biogas Concern Group has been given leave to seek a judicial review of the biogas plant project by the High Court.

In an update on social media, the local campaigning group said, “This means we are over the first hurdle in our legal campaign against this industrial sized development in the heart of our town.”

“Well done to the people of South Galway for your unwavering support. Our fight is by no means over.”

An Bord Pleanála granted planning permission for the Biogas plant shortly before Christmas, overturning two rejections of the project by Galway County Council.

In both rejections, the council had raised road traffic concerns, as well as concerns about environmental implications.

The proposed Biogas plant would be built on a 10ha site in the townlands of Ballynamantan, Kinincha and Glenbrack on the outskirts of Gort, producing fertiliser and energy through the treatment of farm waste.

The project has been heavily opposed locally, with hundreds of objections submitted to the county council at that planning stage.

Last January, Gort Biogas Concern Group held a public meeting to discuss planned legal action against the proposal, with hundreds of people in attendance.

Over €16,000 was pledged towards that legal action at the time, with more than €38,000 pledged on GoFundMe since then.

Spiddal man selected as new Coimisinéir Teanga

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Spiddal man selected as new Coimisinéir Teanga

Spiddal native Séamas Ó Concheanainn has been chosen to take the role of the new Coimisinéir Teanga, the Language Commissioner.

The Coimisinéir Teanga is responsible for ensuring public bodies and state agencies fulfil their responsibilities to speakers of official languages, Irish and English.

Mr Ó Concheanainn is currently working as the Director of Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga, and has been handling the Commissioner’s responsibilities since his predecessor resigned earlier this year.

Rónán Ó Domhnaill resigned as Commissioner in February in order to take up the role of Media Development Commissioner with Coimisiún na Meán.

Séamas Ó Concheanainn has previous experience working in language legislation, higher education, language planning, and community development amongst other things.

He was also previously in various leadership positions at the University of Galway.

Minister Catherine Martin said, “I am pleased that the Government has accepted the recommendation that Mr Ó Concheanainn be appointed as the new Coimisinéir Teanga.”

“He is highly respected by the Irish language and Gaeltacht community because of the work he has done as Director of Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga since he was appointed there in 2020 as well as his previous work with the University of Galway.”

The Minister added that his previous experience will stand him well in his job as Coimisinéir Teanga.

Séamas Ó Concheanainn was chosen for the role following a competition run by the Public Appointments Service (PAS).

A resolution on the government’s recommendation of him to the role will be put before the Oireachtas when it returns in Autumn.

Galway parents worried about back-to-school costs

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Galway Chamber launch mental health and mindfulness campaign

The children’s charity Barnardos has revealed the results of a survey which highlights the stress parents and guardians are under ahead of the new school year.

The survey found that 50% of primary and 66% of secondary school parents are worried about meeting back-to-school costs this summer.

It is estimated that it costs on average €972 to send a new first year to secondary school in Ireland.

Seventy-five percent of schools request voluntary contributions – and over two thirds of parents or guardians felt that these contributions were compulsory.

Adrian Curran, People Before Profit candidate for Galway City Central in next June’s local elections, said the findings “refuted the idea that Ireland has free education”.

“Whilst Ireland is touted as having free education for children, the reality is families are struggling,” he said.

“Every summer’s end we are made aware of parents and families struggling with back to school costs.

“Costs like uniforms, digital materials, and books in secondary schools are driving the costs of education into unaffordable territory.”

PBP’s City East candidate Denman Rooke said that when you see one in five primary school families having to dip into their savings to afford to send their children to school, “it is an indication that the system needs to be changed”.

“Free education should be truly free – everyone should have the same access and potential of education. Working class families should not struggle to ensure the best for their children.”

Maisie McMaster, the party’s Galway City West candidate, explained the remedies People Before Profit say need to be put in place.

“As Barnardos have publicised, there are clear, straightforward ways we can address this issue. Firstly, we need to extend the free school books scheme to secondary schools.

“Secondly, lower cost uniforms must be available. Emblems, crests, and the monopolies of uniform manufacturing must be done away with.

“Thirdly, the Back to School Footwear and Clothing Allowance must be increased, along with Child Benefit, both of which were cut by previous Fine Gael governments, in coalition with Labour.

“Lastly, we need to abolish the Voluntary Contributions, which in reality are not voluntary and contribute to stigma and money concerns for many families.”

First all-inclusive best dressed event a major success!

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galway daily news inclusive lgbtqia+ most stylish event
Winners Zein Mahdi, Ruth Walsh and Michelle Kearns at the all-inclusive most stylish evening in The Dean Hotel during Galway Race Week. Photo: Yamile Photography

An all-inclusive most stylish event took place for the first time during Galway Races, with the inaugural event at the Dean Hotel in Bohermore being deemed a major success.

The all-inclusive most stylish evening brought out some of the best fashion of Race Week 2023, with the local LGBTQI+ community turning up in style.

Tom Walsh, Tanya McHale-Roe and Sarah Foy. Photo: Yamile Photography

Stylist Caroline Downey, Tom Walsh of Aztec Hair Co and well-known Galway drag queen Blondie selected worthy winners in three categories on the night.

Blondie, Zein Mahdi, Michelle Kearns, Annie Naggins and Ruth Walsh. photo: Yamile Photography

Ruth Walsh, originally from Kerry and now living in Galway, won the ‘Most Fabulous in an Outfit’ category with her baby blue ensemble featuring a jacket from Monki, a dress from Pull & Bear, a hat from H&M and shoes from Una Healy.

“I wouldn’t normally go to the races, my friend told about this event. I love an excuse to dress up, so I decided to go,” said Ruth. “I knew I wanted to wear the jacket so I based the rest of look around that. I am delighted!”

The ‘Stunning in a Suit’ prize went to Zein Mandi from Saudi Arabia, who moved to Galway in February.

They wore shorts and a blazer suit from Mango, a shirt from Claudie Pierllt, a Gucci tie and Nike runners.

“It was such an amazing night, it was brilliant to be a part of this event in its first year,” said Zein.

The final category was ‘Most Dapper in a Dress’, which was awarded to Michelle Kearns from Tuam who caught the eye of the judges with a colourful glitzy look from Zara and a gorgeous pink headpiece she made herself.

“This all inclusive sounded so much fun and I knew the style would be so different from what we would see at the regular best dressed, I am so glad I came along,” said Michelle.

Louise Donnellan from Claregalway and Aisling Canny of Galway. Photo: Yamile Photography

An electrifying performance by one of Galway’s best drag queens Annie Naggins stole the show on the night at Galway’s newest boutique hotel.

Judges Tom Walsh, Aztec Hair Studio with Stylish Caroline Downey and Alan Hughes at the all inclusive most stylish evening in The Dean Hotel during Galway Race Week.

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Two week road closure plannied in Galway City Centre

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New Dock Street will be closed for the majority of two weeks in May to allow for refurbishment works to take place. The City Council...