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First of its kind ‘Whole Wild World Bus Tour’ to make stops in Galway

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galway daily news laureate

Schools, libraries, bookshops and cultural venues across Galway are being invited to host a stop on Laureate na nÓg Patricia Forde’s ‘Whole Wild World Bus Tour’.

The inaugural event will see a bus full of the very best Irish children’s authors and illustrators take a trip down the Wild Atlantic Way, making stops at every coastal county along the route to meet and work with young readers to imagine new worlds in words and pictures.

Taking place in April 2024, the tour will see workshops, readings and artist events take place at each stage of the coastal roadshow.

The Whole Wild World Bus Tour is Patricia Forde’s first major event as Laureate na nÓg, a role she has held since May 2023.

Applications are now open for venues in Galway that wish to take part in the Whole Wild World Bus Tour.

Organisations interested in hosting events for children as part of the event are asked to register their interest at www.childrenslaureate.ie/opencall before Friday, 29 September.

Forde, who chose the theme ‘Samhlaigh! Samhlaigh! Making it Up as We Go Along’ for her time as Laureate, said her vision for the bus tour is to spark wild creativity across the country.

“I want to bring together my two favourite groups of people – the children of Ireland, and the writers and illustrators we have in such abundance – to shape new stories and share old ones,” she said.

“Simply put, we’re bringing books and their creators to an audience that doesn’t often get a chance to meet them. The spark for a new story is never far away, and with the Whole Wild World Bus Tour, we’re hoping to bring it a little bit closer.”

A native of Galway, Forde has published over 20 titles for children of all ages, in Irish and English.

As a former teacher, former director of the Galway Arts Festival, and co-founder of the Baboró International Arts Festival for Children, she is an advocate for children’s right to culture.

“For years during the pandemic, the big wide world that is usually open to young people became smaller, closer and much less colourful,” said Forde.

“I want to get them daydreaming again, about amazing new places, characters and adventures. I’m a big believer in making it up as we go along and that’s what this tour will be all about. I can think of nowhere better on earth than Galway and the west coast of Ireland to get us dreaming about the worlds around us, and the ones in our heads.”

The full programme of artists, illustrators and venues will be announced in early 2024. For more information, visit www.childrenslaureate.ie/opencall.

Third-place finish in British Rally Championship event for Galway’s Aoife Raftery

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Third-place finish in British Rally Championship event for Galway’s Aoife Raftery

Galway’s Aoife Raftery recorded her first Junior British Rally Championship podium finish on Rali Bae Ceredigion in Wales over the weekend.

Although not registered for the Junior British Rally Championship, the Craughwell woman finished third in the category while up against some of the championship’s most experienced Junior drivers.

Her rivals included Welsh driver Ioan Lloyd who won the corresponding Irish Tarmac Rally Championship title this year and British Junior Rally Championship leader, County Down’s Kyle White.

Raftery is contesting this year’s FIA Junior European Rally Championship in a PCRS Rallysport run Peugeot 208 Rally 4 but used an older and less powerful Ford Fiesta Rally 2 1600 for this rally.

Her prime reason for entering the Aberystwyth-based rally was to learn the stages ahead of the event’s possible inclusion in the European Rally Championship and her potential return to the series next season.

She and co-driver Geraldine McBride held fourth in class overnight but a solid run through Sunday’s loop of six stages had the rally’s only all-female crew on the podium by the end.

“It was great to build our knowledge on these kinds of roads,” she said. “The roads are really committed and fast, we really enjoyed being here learning the stages.”

A spin on stage two on Saturday cost valuable time but a very committed run over the daunting 17-mile Cwm Ystwyth stage got her back on track.

“Stage three was crazy, I have no problems with the distance, I have that experience from previous [European] events, but we are going from corner to corner flat out, it is all going well.”

She continued her strong push over the Saturday afternoon stages, clearly missing the additional power of her usual Peugeot, and with her Fiesta showing battle scars – a testament to just how hard she was trying.

“We are happy with our pace, we are here to learn the roads and the technical stages,” she added after six of the day’s eight stages.

“The lack of power means we cannot keep up with the Rally4 boys.”

Finlay Bealham becomes ambassador for MADRA Dog Rescue charity

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Finlay Bealham becomes ambassador for MADRA Dog Rescue charity
PurpleBlues Photography

Connacht Rugby and Irish International star Finlay Bealham has become the newest official ambassador for MADRA Dog Rescue charity.

Bealham, known for his dedication and compassion both on and off the field, brings his passion for animal welfare to support MADRA’s mission of providing care and rehabilitation for dogs in need.

MADRA, whose running costs reach approximately half a million per year, relies heavily on donations from supporters and income raised through volunteer-organised fundraisers.

“I am thrilled to become an ambassador for MADRA Dog Rescue,” said Finlay. “Animal welfare is something that I’m very passionate about, and I believe that every dog deserves a chance at a better life.”

“MADRA’s commitment to rescuing and rehabilitating homeless dogs resonates deeply with me, and I’m excited to be a part of their efforts.”

Bealham is currently in France with the Ireland squad prepping for the world cup, but before jetting off he spent some time with his new two and four legged friends at MADRA’s kennels at Camus.

PurpleBlues Photography

MADRA’s team works tirelessly to provide the highest level of care, patience, and training to each dog in their care. Their goal is to prepare each dog for a new life, regardless of their background or circumstances.

“We are delighted to welcome Finlay Bealham to the MADRA family as an ambassador,” expressed Dawn Divilly, Director of Operations at MADRA Dog Rescue.

“We are dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of homeless dogs, and having someone as passionate and caring as Finlay on board helps us raise awareness and support for our cause.”

“Together, we aim to shine a light on the needs of these dogs and encourage the public to make a difference.”

PurpleBlues Photography

MADRA currently faces the challenge of being over capacity and urgently seeks individuals willing to open their homes as foster or adoptive families for rescue dogs.

The team provides ongoing training and support for each family, ensuring the best possible care for the dogs.

Financial contributions, regardless of size, are also crucial in supporting MADRA’s mission and the recovery of the dogs in their care.

For more information on how you can help go to madra.ie.

PurpleBlues Photography

Plans submitted for 75MW solar farm near Creggs

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Galway Daily news perovskite solar panels

Planning permission is being sought for a new solar farm near the village of Creggs in north east Galway.

The application by Elgin Energy is for a 75MW Solar PV farm on a 107.4ha site in the townlands of Cuilnacappy, Park, Moneenroe & Gortnalavey, southeast of Creggs village.

The developer is seeking a 10 year planning permission for this solar farm, which would have an operational lifespan of 40 years.

The project will involve the installation of ground mounted solar panels and frames in rows, cabling & electrical infrastructure including approximately 18 inverter stations.

Other site works will include fencing, internal access tracks, cctv cameras, and the creation or improvement of two access points onto the L2316 and a private road.

According to the planning application, the closest building to this site is a farm complex at Creggs House approximately 115m away.

A Natura Impact Statement was submitted to the council with this planning application.

A decision on whether or not to approve this solar farm development is due from the county council by September 21.

Summer weather forecast this week with 25 degree temperatures expected

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Galway Daily weather highest ever april temperatures

The weather is finally forecast to take a turn for the better this week, with sunshine and temperatures up to 25 degrees expected.

Met Eireann is forecasting a dry week ahead, with a mixture of sunny and overcast days, but no rain expected at least.

Today promises a bright start to the week, with mostly sunny skies throughout the day, and only the odd patch of scattered clouds.

Temperatures will reach highs of 25 degrees in the afternoon, with just a light variable wind.

Winds will pick up somewhat tonight in coastal areas, but stay very gentle inland. A warm night with temperatures staying in the region of 18 to 20 degrees tonight.

Things are looking even better for Tuesday, with Met Eireann predicting a clear sunny day for most of the county.

A little bit brisker tomorrow, with a fresh northeasterly to easterly breeze throughout the day, but staying warm with highest temperatures of 23 to 25 degrees.

A little bit cloudier on Wednesday, but Met Eireann is still promising a bright end to the day, with clearer sunny spells developing in the late afternoon and evening time.

Highest temperatures on Wednesday of 20 to 23 degrees, with just a gentle southerly breeze.

Cloudy again on Thursday headed into the latter half of the week, but still with plenty of sunshine coming through, particularly later in the day.

Temperatures again will reach highs of 20 to 23 degrees that afternoon, with a gentle wind shifting from easterly to westerly as the day goes on.

Come Friday the sunny spell will be broken, with scattered rain throughout the day, turning heavy at times.

Gardaí conducting Slow Down Day operation after spike in road deaths

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galway daily news Galway driver among worst speeding offences caught over Bank Holiday weekend

Gardaí are conducting a special traffic operation today, a nationwide Slow Down Day, after an alarming rise in road deaths lately.

The 24h traffic operation got underway at 7am this morning, and will continue until 7am on Tuesday.

To date there have been 127 people killed on Irish roads this year, 23 more than the same period 2022, and 38 more than in 2019.

One in Five of all road deaths so far this year occurred in the month of August, and one in three of all victims were under the age of 25.

An Garda Síochána carries out a number of high profile ‘Slow Down’ days each year, in support of daily speed enforcement operations.

The aim of aim of “Slow Down day” is to remind drivers of the dangers of speeding, to increase compliance with speed limits and act as a deterrent to driving at excessive or inappropriate speed.

Operation ‘Slow Down’ on Monday the 4th September was picked to coincide with the full return of all schools and the related increase in roads users, particularly vulnerable road users, pedestrians, pedal cyclists and specifically younger road users.

However, it has taken on greater urgency with the alarming increase in road deaths seen in recent months.

Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman, Roads Policing and Community Engagement said, “The trauma on our roads so far in 2023 is and will have lasting impacts on families and communities.”

“An Garda Síochána continues to carry out speed enforcement across our roads. Every driver has a personal responsibility to not only drive within the posted speed limit but also to drive at a speed appropriate to the conditions.”

“Speeding is reckless, not just to the motorists themselves and their passengers, but to all road users, especially vulnerable pedestrians and cyclists. This is not just about speeding enforcement detections. It’s about saving lives”.

Operation ‘Slow Down’ will consist of high visibility speed enforcement by GoSafe at selected Safety Camera Zones and at other locations by An Garda Síochána.

Details of the 1373 Safety Camera Zones across the country and the background to Safety Camera Zones can be found here.

The World Health Organisation (2017) estimated that a 5% reduction in average speed could result in a 30% reduction in fatal collisions, and therefore reducing every motorists’ speed is essential to improving safety on our roads.

An Garda Síochána and Go-Safe have detected over 105,000 drivers, as of the end of August 2023, driving in excess of the posted speed limit.

Sam Waide, CEO of the Road Safety Authority, said, “We have a speed epidemic in Ireland. The RSA regularly commission observational studies, where the actual real-life behaviours of drivers at the roadside are logged.”

“In 2021, over three quarters (77%) of drivers observed on 50km/h roads were exceeding the speed limit. In addition, 29% (almost one in three) of drivers observed on 100km/h roads exceeding the speed limit on these higher speed roads.”

“This must change. We must tackle the attitude that speeding is safe and acceptable. Speeding increases both the likelihood of a road traffic collision occurring, and the severity of injury sustained, should a collision occur.”

“We simply have to ask every single driver to play their part in saving lives, routinely slowing down for every single trip, every single day. National Slow Down Day is the day for us all to start.”

Five day roadworks to disrupt traffic in Gort area

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Galway Daily news Roadworks to disrupt traffic near Portumna on Tuesday

Traffic delays are expected in the Gort area for five days next week due to roadworks taking place.

The county council is carrying out resurfacing works on the L85304 at Rindifin, Gort.

The roadworks are due to get underway tomorrow, and last until Friday, September 8.

In order to facilitate these works, the section of road in question will be closed from 7:45am to 6pm each day.

As a result, road users in the area are advised to expect delays and allow additional time for journeys.

Rising business costs amongst key priorities for businesses in the West ahead of Budget 2024

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Rising business costs amongst key priorities for businesses in the West ahead of Budget 2024

Ibec, the organization representing Irish businesses, hosted a Budget Briefing on business priorities for the Western region, bringing together local members and TDs.

During the meeting, Ibec’s Western members highlighted the need to protect the region’s unique quality of life offered by addressing capacity constraints through infrastructural and social investments.

Additionally, Ibec said rising business costs stand among the primary concerns for members in the Region as we approach Budget 2024.

Ibec is urging the Government to support businesses affected by significant new labour market costs, such as the Living Wage and Pensions Autoenrollment.

Helen Leahy, the Head of Regional Policy, said, “”Ahead of Budget 2024, Ibec has been advocating for a significant portion of the growing budget surplus to be allocated towards establishing a new National Infrastructure Fund.”

“This fund’s purpose is to address Ireland’s considerable social, economic, and environmental infrastructure needs committed to be fulfilled in the next decade.”

“Ibec contends that delaying investment in the short term, aimed at preventing overheating, will impede future economic expansion and adversely affect Ireland’s long-term competitiveness.”

“One of the most effective means of stimulating regional economies such as the West is by investing in infrastructure including housing, education, transport, broadband, health and making urban centres vibrant and attractive places to work and live.”

She added that the economy in the west has been built on a “thriving hospitality sector”, as well as becoming a global hub for sectors such as life sciences, and a growing high-tech presence.

“The region is well-positioned for growth with a robust education system producing skilled workers and a renowned research foundation.  However, complacency must be avoided.”

“We must future-proof our talent pipeline, particularly in digital proficiency, climate action, and Industry 5.0. This is why Ibec urges Budget 2024 to unlock the €1.5 billion surplus from the National Training Fund to help cultivate essential 21st-century skills.”

The Living Wage and Pensions Enrollment stand to increase businesses wage bill by 4.7% by 2026 and 9% by 2030 Ibec contends, which must be acknowledged in the Budget.

City Council holding hazardous waste disposal event

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galway daily news City Council holding hazardous waste disposal event

Galway City Council is holding a special hazardous waste collection event next week.

The waste collection event will take place next Saturday, September 9 at Ballybrit Racecourse from 8am to 12:30pm.

The event is only open to householders in the city and only those who register online will be allowed to enter.

Registration for the event costs €10, and no cash will be accepted at the gate.

Only the following items will be accepted:

  • Paint, paint cans**
  • Adhesives
  • Old medicines
  • Pesticides, Insecticides, Herbicides,
  • Aerosols

**Maximum of 10 X 10 litre paint bucket containers.

Booking a slot at the event can be done online here.

Traffic disruption in Athenry on Monday due to road closure

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Galway daily news Seven week road closure in downtown Galway City

Traffic Disruption is expected in Athenry on Monday with a road closure in effect to allow works to take place.

Part of the Caheroyn Road is being closed on Monday, September 4 in order to facilitate pipelaying works.

The road will be closed between the y-junction with New Line and the Cúirt Ard junctio.

Only local access will be maintained during this time.

The works will be carried out by Coffey Construction on behalf of Galway County Council

Galwegians called to make a big splash for Aware

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Galwegians called to make a big splash for Aware

People in Galway are being invited to join in on the Big Splash for Aware, taking a cold-water dip this month for mental health.

The Big Splash will take place on Saturday, September 23 to raise funds and awareness for the mental health charity.

Participants are invited to take part at their favourite swimming spots, whether that’s the sea, a local lake, swimming pool or river.

For those who don’t live near a suitable body of water, a freezing cold shower or ice bath are also options.

Stephen Butterly, Head of Fundraising at Aware said, “We are delighted to launch our inaugural The Big Splash for Aware and hope to see as many people as possible from all over Ireland joining us on the day.”

“Along with benefiting your own mental and physical health by taking part, this event offers a fantastic opportunity to bring your friends, family and community together in a shared experience, all while raising vital funds for our nationwide services.”

“By taking part, you are bringing attention to the important topic of mental health, and helping ensure that we are always there for the people who need us. Every conversation and every euro makes a difference.”

Aware Support Services include nationwide Support & Self Care Groups and a Support Line and Support Mail service, both of which operate 365 days a year.

Aware also delivers a range of positive mental health programmes to adults and senior cycle students nationwide, designed to build resilience and empower people with the skills and tools to manage their mental health.

With 3 in 5 (58 per cent) citing an experience of depression and 4 in 5 (74 per cent) reporting experience of anxiety, Aware continues to see high demand for its services from the public.

The Big Splash for Aware will raise vital funds to ensure the organisation can continue to deliver its free support, education and information services nationwide for people impacted by depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder, directly or as a loved one.

June Curtin, ambassador of The Big Splash for Aware and founder of Snámhaí Sásta said, “I took up daily sea swimming four years ago, as a way to look after my mental health after losing my husband to suicide.”

“For me, the mental benefits of sea swimming far outweigh the physical. I think initiatives like this are really important to get people talking more openly about their mental health, while raising vital funds for Aware and the wonderful work they do.”

“I’d encourage everyone to get involved, I think it’s a great initiative and I feel very privileged to be able to support this.”

UHG welcomes HIQA report publication following inspection

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University Hospital Galway has welcomed the publication of a HIQA report on compliance with medical exposure to ionizing radiation regulations at the hospital.

An announced inspection of the radiotherapy and radiology departments at UHG was carried out at the hospital on the 16 May 2023.

This inspection assessed compliance with European Union safety regulations related to ionizing radiation.

A medical exposure to ionising radiation is when a patient receives ionising radiation as part of their diagnosis or treatment.

During this inspection, HIQA looked at 14 Standards in relation to governance and management arrangements for medical exposures and safe delivery of medical exposures.

Of these, University Hospital Galway was compliant in 9 areas, substantially compliant with 4 standards and non-compliant with one standard.

UHG welcomed the acknowledgement by HIQA that inspectors were assured that the hospital had systems in place to ensure appropriate governance and oversight of the delivery of medical exposures at Galway University Hospitals.

The hospital also noted that inspectors were satisfied that University Hospital Galway had multiple systems and processes in place to ensure patients undergoing medical exposure involving high radiation doses and where high doses were a possible outcome of a procedure were appropriately protected.

The hospital was found non-compliant on one regulation (13: Procedures). Inspectors noted that a number of written policies and procedures specific to the radiotherapy service were available to staff, and staff spoken with demonstrated how they accessed these documents on the hospital’s internal document control system   system.

Similarly, written protocols for medical radiological procedures in the radiology department were available within the department.

However, the undertaking did not have a robust governance system in place for the management of these written policies, procedures and protocols.

To address this, actions include improving radiation protection document stewardship with the standardisation of all controlled documents and progress with uploading these to the hospital’s quality management document control system.

The hospital has also taken steps to strengthen pathways where it was found to be substantially compliant.

Policies, Procedures and Guidelines for the Safe Use and Application of Ionising Radiation including Standard Operating Procedures is also being updated to satisfy regulatory requirements and reflect current legislative language.

Chris Kane Hospital Manager at Galway University Hospitals said: “We welcome this report and recognise the important and valuable role of HIQA in promoting safety and quality in the healthcare services.

“Regulation drives better, safer care for patients and regulation of medical exposures helps ensure that each hospital that administers radiation meets Irish and European legislative requirements.

“I would like to acknowledge the on-going commitment and dedication of our staff in providing a patient centred approach and we will work together to build on the good practice highlighted in this report.”

City Council hosts event to acknowledge city’s IBAL status

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galway daily news galway city environment staff ibal results

An event was held in the Menlo Park Hotel this week to acknowledge the work of Galway City Council’s Litter Management Unit.

Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Eddie Hoare hosted the event following the positive results from the recent Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) survey for Galway City.

Galway City was recognised by IBAL as ‘clean to European Norms’.

It was one of only two cities in the country to achieve this status in 2023.

Galway player to feature in TG4’s AFL women’s coverage

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TG4 have announced that the station will again broadcast weekly matches and highlights from the upcoming Australian Football League Women’s (AFLW) season.

A record thirty-three Irish players will take the field this season with sixteen Irish counties represented including Galway, with Hawthorn’s Áine McDonagh.

Mayo leads the pack however with six players and Tipperary has five.

The AFLW Competition begins this weekend with eighteen teams battling it out to see who will reach the Grand Final on December 2nd.

TG4 will broadcast two matches deferred each weekend as well as weekly highlights as part of GAA 2023 on Monday evenings at 8pm.

AFL Aussie Rules na mBan starts this Saturday at 12.30pm with Melbourne v Collingwood.

TG4’s Head of Sport Rónán Ó Coisdealbha said: “The growth of the AFLW has been phenomenal and we are excited to be bringing the best action from Australia to viewers in Ireland each week.

“With so many players from Ireland competing in the competition it is a great opportunity to showcase this growing sport to a free-to-air audience on TG4.”

The full line-up of matches for the first three rounds
  • Saturday 2 September 12:30pm – Deferred Round 1 – Melbourne v Collingwood
  • Sunday 3 September 12.15pm – Deferred Round 1 – Fremantle v West Coast Eagles
  • Saturday 9 September 5.15pm – Deferred Round 2 – Sydney Swans v Geelong Cats
  • Sunday 10 September 12.00pm – Deferred Round 2 – Collingwood v Fremantle
  • Saturday 16 September 5.15pm – Deferred Round 3 – Geelong Cats v Kangaroos
  • Sunday 17 September 12.20pm – Deferred Round 3 – Brisbane Lions v Sydney Swans

Almost 1,500 home energy upgrades in Galway in first half of 2023

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Galway Daily news perovskite solar panels

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has reported strong performance in the first half of 2023 with 1,457 home energy upgrades being completed in Galway. 

A report published today gives details of the 21,727 home energy upgrades supported through SEAI grant schemes in the first half this year, representing a 150% increase on the same period last year.

The figures suggest activity is on track to meet or surpass the 37,000 upgrades target for 2023. 

The SEAI processed more than 31,500 grant applications across all schemes, up 41% on the same period last year. 

Solar PV property upgrades are up a massive 231% over last year, rising significantly following the Government’s move to cut VAT. 

A total of 7,566 homes were upgraded to a BER B2 or higher, up 210% on last year, and 2,346 property upgrades were completed through programmes focused on homes at risk of fuel poverty. This was up 20% on the same period last year

The first half of 2023 also say 7,122 attic and 5,641 cavity wall upgrades were supported. This is one of the most effective ways to make a home warmer and more efficient. 

Expenditure across all schemes was €129.9m, up 121% on the same period last year.

Commenting on the report, Dr Ciaran Byrne, Director of National Retrofit at SEAI said that they are very pleased that overall demand has remained very strong across all schemes.

“Clearly, the increased grant values and new grant options introduced last year have made home energy upgrades much more appealing to homeowners,” he said.

“The removal of VAT on solar panels has driven significant demand on this programme and it is likely to continue into the third and fourth quarters of 2023.  

“On the supply side, the additional registration of five one-stop shops this quarter points to continued strong interest in the longer-term economic opportunities offered. We anticipate the increased supply to further drive demand and cost competitiveness.”

Galway City has lowest % of adults living with parents

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galway daily news adult living at home in galway

Galway City had the lowest proportion of adults living with their parents in Ireland, new CSO Census data shows.

Nationally the number of adults aged over 18 living with their parents went up by 14% since 2016 to 522,486 on Census Night 2022. Over 61% of 20-to-24-year-olds in Ireland lived with their parents in 2022.

There were more adult males than females living with their parents, particularly among the older age groups.

Approximately 4% of all females living with their parents were unemployed having lost or given up their previous job; the proportion among males was higher at 8%.

South Dublin and Louth continued to have among the highest proportions of adults living with their parents: in South Dublin it was 16% in 2022, up from 15% in 2016, and in Louth it was 15% in 2022, up from 14% in 2016.

Other key findings from the Census data included the number of families with no children seeing an increase of 11% since 2016, and 14% when compared with 2011.

There were 20% more one-parent father families with children who were renting than in Census 2016.

The number of same-sex couples increased by 157% when compared with 2011 and stood at 10,393 in Census 2022.

Connemara company breaking new ground on greener shipping

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Connemara company breaking new ground on greener shipping

The Connemara based company EireComposites is developing new materials to making shipping a cleaner, greener sector.

The company is partnering with University of Galway on the newly-funded FASTSHIP project.

This aims to make the shipping industry greener, by using lightweight composite materials to reduce fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and costs.

Over the course of 24 months, the project will focus on manufacturing process optimisation for the volume production of composite components that can reduce drag on ships thereby cutting fuel usage.

ÉireComposites will lead development and manufacturing, while University of Galway takes charge of analysis and testing.

These two parties have a long, impressive history of collaboration, ensuring there is a strong partnership at the heart of this vital work.

Established in 1998, ÉireComposites is an innovative design, manufacturing, and testing company, involved in lightweight, high-performance, fibre-reinforced composite materials.

Based in Inverin, they have an international blue-chip customer base of over 70 companies in aerospace, renewable energy, marine, and automotive sectors.

As global trade booms, shipping continues to be the method of choice for goods transportation.

This industry accounts for approximately 3.1% of global CO2 emissions today, which is predicted to rise by anything from 50% to 250% by 2050 without mitigation.

The Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI) and the Marine Institute are providing almost €600,000 of funding to the FASTSHIP project, under the SEAI National Energy Research, Development and Demonstration (RD&D) Funding Programme 2022.

This programme invests in innovative energy RD&D projects which contribute to Ireland’s transition to a clean and secure energy future.

Veronica Cunningham of the Oranmore based Marine Institute said,  “The Irish maritime sector, in line with the sector across Europe is seeking ways to decarbonise operations, reduce greenhouse gases emissions, and increase the use of low-carbon and renewable fuels to replace fossil fuels for shipping.”

“The FASTSHIP project will develop a solution that can be retrofitted to existing vessels or designed into new ships, with a significant reduction in fuel consumption, and consequently decreasing vessel carbon emissions and shipping costs.”

Irish Bookies Not on Gamstop Review: Bonuses, Markets & Features

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Galway Daily gaming

Sports betting is a favourite pastime in Ireland, with several online bookmakers opening their virtual doors to punters within the jurisdiction. Irish bookmakers not on Gamstop have emerged as a top choice among these betting sites. These platforms are gaining traction because of their benefits. For starters, they aren’t under the self-exclusion scheme, allowing them to offer more diverse offerings. As such, punters will find more markets, better promotions, and innovative payment methods.

Another significant advantage is that they have less stringent verification procedures, which allows them to process withdrawals faster. Several of these bookmakers exist, making it challenging to identify the best ones. Thankfully, sources like bookiesnotongamstop.com help you quickly find suitable betting platforms. This write-up covers the best bookies for Irish punters and factors to consider when choosing them.

Most Reliable Irish Bookmakers Not on Gamstop

A few stand out from the plethora of online independent betting sites with their impressive offerings. The following are the most reliable Irish bookmakers, their bonuses, and features:

Mystake

Santeda International Limited, a company with a licence from Curacao, founded MyStake in 2020. The bookmaker boasts a user-friendly interface, making betting on its 30+ sports easy. With an overall payout of 94%, MyStake has some of the most profitable odds for everything about sports, especially for well-known events. New customers can claim a 100% welcome bonus while existing users have cashback and other deals to make their experience more pleasurable.

Goldenbet

A sister site to MyStake, Goldenbet stands out from the competition with its extensive sports coverage and great odds. It welcomes punters with a 100% matched deposit bonus, after which they can claim free bets, cashback deals, crypto offers, and more. With a licence from the government of Curacao, Goldenbet provides a safe gambling environment for its users. It also has 24/7 customer service via live chat.

Winstler

Launched by Group Gaem in 2022, Winstler is famous for its casino offerings, but it also includes a sports betting section with thousands of markets. As a new bettor, you have matched deposit bonuses to claim for each of your first five deposits. If you encounter any problems or need clarification on specific topics, the bookmaker has stand-by support via live chat and email. Its website is mobile-compatible, allowing you to gamble on the go.

Magic Win

Up to $6,000 in cash awaits bettors who register at Magic Win. The offer is split into five parts, so you get a package for each of your first five deposits. In addition to rewarding promotions, Magic Win has a comprehensive bookmaker with thousands of markets for popular and niche sports. The odds of these events are impressive, giving punters more value for their winning wagers. It’s also mobile-compatible to wager on Android and iOS devices.

Freshbet

Owned and operated by Ryker B.V., Freshbet is an online bookmaker with a licence from Curacao. Hence, its services are safe and reliable. Its sports betting section covers thousands of events spread across 30 sports. The odds are also impressive, especially for popular games like football and basketball. There’s a matched deposit bonus for new users while existing bettors have free bets, crypto-specific offers, loyalty rewards, and more.

How to Pick the Best Irish Betting Sites

Hundreds of non-Gamstop Irish betting sites give punters several options at their fingertips. While having many platforms to pick from has benefits, one should remember that not all operators are the same. Some have better bonuses, more extensive coverage, and superior offerings in many other aspects. Most importantly, not all are safe, so you should keep up with the latest news in the industry to quickly identify reliable platforms. Also, consider these factors when choosing an Irish betting site:

Verified Ownership

Ensuring that a reputable and trustworthy company owns the bookmaker is crucial for a secure gambling experience. Transparent and established ownership indicates a commitment to player satisfaction, responsible gambling practices, and adherence to specific regulations. Furthermore, you must verify the operator’s track record, reputation, and history within the gambling industry, as this offers valuable insights into the bookie’s integrity and reliability. Once you know that an established betting company runs the platform, you can place wagers without worrying about your safety.

Transparent Terms & Conditions

Precise and accurate terms and conditions are crucial for bookmakers. This fine text outlines the platform’s rules, policies, and expectations, ensuring players know their rights and responsibilities satisfactorily. Transparent terms prevent misunderstandings, disputes, and surprises. You should also read the privacy policies to learn how an operator gathers, stores, and uses your details.

Deposit & Withdrawal Limits

When evaluating a bookmaker, always check the payment limits. These determine the minimum and maximum amounts you can deposit or withdraw from your betting account. A reputable bookmaker offers a balanced approach, catering to various budgets. In other words, they should have low minimum deposits and higher withdrawal limits to accommodate low and high rollers. Also, check the bookmaker’s payment terms to avoid surprises, as some platforms may impose varying limits based on deposit and withdrawal methods.

Solid Sports Section

A solid sports section signifies a platform’s dedication to offering an extensive range of sporting events and markets for betting enthusiasts. A diverse selection ensures that bettors can access various sports, leagues, and tournaments, catering to different interests and preferences. Additionally, the bookmaker will provide updated odds, live betting options, and comprehensive statistics. So, whether you’re a casual fan or a seasoned bettor, choosing a bookmaker with a solid sports section ensures an immersive and satisfying betting experience backed by many options and up-to-date information.

Is it Worth to Give it a Try?

Independent Irish bookies provide an alternative for bettors who wish to engage in online gambling without the limitations imposed by the self-exclusion programme. This appeals to punters seeking access to betting platforms before their exclusion period expires. Moreover, these platforms offer diverse betting options, allowing one to explore gambling experiences that may not be available on Gamstop-registered sites. The availability of enticing bonuses and promotions can enhance your betting journey as they provide more value for your deposits.

Find out how you can achieve financial stability with Paysafecard

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Galway Daily courts Man jailed for thefts using a stolen debit card

That you can organize your expenses and achieve smart savings may sound complicated, but you should know that this is easy. The problem is that many people look for a quick fix, and others look for budgeting strategies that can fail and, consequently, return to their bad spending habits.

The solution is that you must look for a unique approach to achieve your financial objectives thanks to different budgeting methods or tools to determine which one works best for you. Although it may seem like a long process, if you want to save money, this is worth it, but you must be patient.

What is a budget strategy?

A budget strategy is a plan that describes how people plan to allocate their financial resources over a given period. That includes identifying and prioritizing financial goals, making an estimate of your income, and planning your expenses so that they can align with your overall goals.

That usually involves drawing up a detailed budget that covers all aspects of finances, including expenses, money saved, and debt management. That also implies creating financial objectives such as reducing debt or more significant savings and that you can create a plan to achieve these objectives.

A well-designed budget strategy can help you achieve financial stability, reduce debt, and help you make informed and conscious financial decisions. If you have a budget, you can be in control of your money, and you can make the most of your money. You can know if you spend more than you earn and, if this is the case, you can understand in which areas to reduce your consumption.

Estimates with Paysafecard

If you want a reliable way to manage your finances, consider to buy paysafecard online. This rechargeable card can be used for purchases, and it works similarly to a debit card since you can use it in shops, ATMs, and Internet transactions without needing a checking account.

That is very simple: you must load the money you want on the card, and you can use it. That helps you stay within the budget. You can load this card through different methods according to your needs or preferences.

If you buy a Paysafecard online, you should know that this tool is one of the most essential alternatives on the market because it works without the need to indicate sensitive bank or credit card data, so your privacy and data are protected.

If you use Paysafecard, you will have the following advantages

That is an excellent option if you want to make online payments safely and quickly because it offers a variety of payment methods such as credit card, debit card, prepaid, bank transfer, and more. That means you can pay for your purchases without revealing your financial details to other people. This card is anonymous, and your identity and the details of your assets remain private.

This payment method is speedy. The payments you make with this tool are processed immediately so you can buy safely and quickly.

This tool is easy to use, and you do not need to know about the service beforehand. You only have to go to one of the points of sale to purchase the card; you must choose the amount you want, and then you will receive a code you need to finish the transaction and start using it.

Some tips to keep the budget

If you choose to buy paysafecard online, you should know some tips that will help you maintain the budget to achieve your financial goals in the short and long term.

First, you should track your spending to identify where you are overspending so you can make adjustments; then, you should regularly review your budget to ensure everything is going well. In addition, you must be realistic in terms of goals and avoid saving or paying off debt too quickly because this can be overwhelming; you must have discipline and consistency, avoid using credit cards, and stay focused.

Grant funding awarded to 20 Parent and Toddler Groups in Galway

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Grant funding awarded to 20 Parent and Toddler Groups in Galway

Grant funding totaling just over €20,000 has been awarded to 20 Parent and Toddler Groups across Galway.

This is part of €352,000 allocated for 370 Parent and Toddler Groups across the country by Minister Roderic O’Gorman this week.

“Parent and Toddler Groups throughout the country provide essential informal support to parents, grandparents and childminders, as well as to young children.”

“These groups are an important source of social contact especially for new parents and families new to an area,” Minister O’Gorman said.

There are three streams of funding under the Parent and Toddler Group Grant Initiative. The main line offers €800 to existing groups, and €1,100 for establishing new groups.

On top of that, €300 was offered to establish Buggy Walking Groups, and another €300 for new or existing groups to provide a second session to meet demand.

The 20 groups in Galway which received grants are: Árann, Athenry, Ballinfoile, Ballygar, Clann, Clifden, Claregalway, Corofin, Cumasú, Down to Earth, Galway Community Circus, Gort, Headford Cloughanover, Killalaghton, Kinvara, Knocknacarra, Mullagh, Renmore, Woodford.