Galway nursing home residents to celebrate role of music in nursing homes

-

August 19, 2023

Galway Daily news More than 15,000 properties in Galway without power after Storm Ellen

More than a 1,000 homes in Galway remain without power this morning after Storm Betty hammered the country last night.

Galway was under a Status Yellow weather warning for Storm Betty, which lasted until 3am on Saturday morning.

In the aftermath, a power outage in the Carraroe area has left 1,155 homes and businesses without electricity.

The ESB has said that electricity us expected to be restored by 4pm today at the latest.

Aside from this, Galway seems to have escaped without much damage from Storm Betty.

Parts of the northwest of Ireland remain under a weather warning for wind and rain this morning.

Emirates returns to Galway offering tax-free salaries and free accommodation

By

-

August 19, 2023

galway daily news emirates airline galway recruitment

Dubai-based airline Emirates will return to Galway City in September looking for new recruits.

Successful candidates will be provided with free accommodation in the heart of Dubai as well as a tax-free salary.

The Galway open day will take place at the G Hotel & Spa in Wellpark on 8 September at 9am.

Other recruitment events will take place in Dublin on 6 September, Limerick on 22 September and Cork on 24 September.

Successful candidates will undergo an intense eight weeks of training in the highest standards of hospitality, safety, and service delivery in the Emirates’ state-of-the-art facility in Dubai.

New recruits learn leadership and life-saving skills, essential first aid, and industry knowledge.

Emirates flew its first flight from Ireland in January2012 and currently operates two flights daily from Dublin to Dubai where passengers are connected to over 140 destinations.

All are walk in events and pre-registration is not required. However, it is recommended that candidates read the requirements before they arrive which can be found here: https://www.emiratesgroupcareers.com/cabin-crew/

Gardaí charge all nine people arrested in Ballinasloe on Thursday

By

-

August 18, 2023

Gardaí have charged the nine people arrested in Ballinasloe on Thursday as part of Operation Clean Streets.

Two men appeared before Loughrea District Court on Friday, while the other five men and two women have been charged and released.

They will appear before the courts at a later date.

Gardaí seized €20,000 in cash along with controlled drugs worth €21,000 in Ballinasloe on Thursday.

They carried out searches on five properties as well as a yard and horse stables in the area.

Drug seizures included cocaine to the value of €9,500 and cannabis worth €11,500, along with a drugs press and other drugs paraphernalia.

Possible bacteria increase at 2 Galway beaches this weekend

By

-

August 18, 2023

galway daily news warning as city beaches see increase in bacteria

Increased rainfall over this weekend could lead to more bacteria in the water at Ballyloughane and Grattan Road beaches.

Galway City Council issued a warning to bathers today to avoid swallowing or splashing water at the two Galway beaches.

People are also advised to wash their hands before eating, avoid swimming with open cuts, and to avoid swimming if they are pregnant or if they have a weakened immune system.

The advisory is in place for both beaches over the weekend until Monday.

Galway City Council said that higher levels of bacteria are usually short-lived and most bathers are unlikely to experience any illness.

Woodie’s stores in Galway raise thousands for four children’s charities

By

-

August 18, 2023

galway daily news woodie's galway charity fundraiser — Staff of Woodie’s Wellpark Retail Park, Galway pictured with Dee and Joe Jordan, Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland, along with Irwin the assistance dog at the presentation of a cheque for €8,227 which was raised during the 9th annual Woodie’s Heroes campaign.

Two Woodie’s stores in Galway have celebrated the wrap-up of another successful Woodie’s Heroes campaign this week, raising over €14,500 for four children’s charities.

Woodie’s Wellpark raised €8,227 and Woodie’s Headford Road raised €6,520 with help from customers, colleagues and suppliers.

One hundred percent of funds raised will be split equally between ISPCC Childline, Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland, Down Syndrome Ireland, and Make-A-Wish Ireland.

Woodie’s Heroes was established in 2015 and has raised over €3 million for Irish children’s charities, with this year’s fundraising expected to see that figure grow closer to €3.5 million.

galway daily news woodie's charity fundraiser — Staff of Woodie’s Headford Road, Galway pictured with Dee and Joe Jordan, Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland along with Irwin the assistance dog at the presentation of a cheque for €6,520 which was raised during the 9th annual Woodie’s Heroes campaign.

Customers donated throughout the campaign by adding a donation in-store at the till, online at woodies.ie or by text.

The team at Woodie’s Wellpark and Headford Road were overjoyed by the generosity and support shown to them during the campaign by their local community and wish to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of those that donated.

After four weeks of fundraising, it was a proud moment for the colleagues in-store when they presented the cheques.

Tully community urged to conserve water as restrictions continue

By

-

August 18, 2023

Galway Daily news Water outages in Moycullen

Nighttime water restrictions in Tully will continue until Monday 21 August, with people in the area being urged to conserve water where possible.

The restrictions, in place from 11pm to 7am each night, are needed for a number of reasons including poor raw water quality entering the plant.

Water levels are being reviewed daily and updates are being provided to the community as necessary.

Uisce Éireann’s Eoin Hughes said the restrictions in Tully allow reservoir levels to recover overnight and maintain a consistent supply of drinking water for customers during the day.

He called on people in Galway to play their part in ensuring there is enough water for everyone as we go through the summer.

“It is important that we all consider our water usage and look at simple yet impactful ways to conserve water,” said Mr Hughes.

“It can sometimes be difficult to know where to start, but even small changes can make a significant difference, for example, turning off the hose, avoiding power washing and checking for leaks on outdoor taps.”

Landlords urging caution from students amid rising accommodation fraud

By

-

August 18, 2023

Galway Daily news Scam Alert for electricity discount claims

Landlords are urging students to be wary of accommodation fraud as the new academic year approaches.

The Irish Property Owners Association has said that with many property owners selling up and leaving rental market, scammers are taking advantage to defraud students and their families of deposits.

In light of these challenges, the IPOA is advocating for heightened vigilance among students when embarking on their accommodation search.

Mary Conway, Chair of the IPOA said “While it is disheartening that these precautions have become necessary, the presence of unscrupulous actors across various sectors, not just in the rental market, necessitates that people are ultra-vigilant when paying deposits.”

“The IPOA will continue to hold an unwavering commitment to safeguarding the good reputation of our members and in turn protecting their prospective tenants from fraud.”

To safeguard against potential pitfalls and prevent fraudulent payments from being made, prospective tenants are strongly encouraged to follow some practical advice:

Request tangible proof of property ownership from potential landlords. Examples of such documentation may include verifiable insurance records or Local Property Tax (LPT) receipts.
Be wary of accommodation only advertised on social media or if the person offering a rental will only communicate with you via messaging applications like WhatsApp.
Be vigilant if there is an unusual sense of urgency by the ‘landlord’ in securing a deposit.
Be wary of rents that are ‘too good to be true’.
Before you pay any money, ensure you have inspected the property and that the property is suitable for your requirements.
When satisfied, make payment and ensure you receive a receipt from the person you have identified as the owner or agent.
Be cautious if the property owner is consistently unable to, or refuses to meet you in person.
Don’t be afraid to ask any questions you may have. A legitimate property owner will be happy to answer, remember – it’s your money!

The IPOA is urging students to familiarise themselves with the legal regulations around renting. A good starting point for this is the Residential Tenancies Board website – www.rtb.ie.

“We urge students to take caution when applying for rental accommodation and paying deposits this year until they are satisfied that they are dealing with a legitimate property owner or their agent.”

“By taking a vigilant approach, we can stamp out the practice of those falsely claiming to be property owners and safeguard people’s hard-earned money” Ms. Conway concluded.

Four Connacht players named to Ireland matchday squad

By

-

August 18, 2023

Galway Daily sport Mack Hansen named in squad for All-Blacks game after injury fears — Mack Hansen. Photo Credit: INPHO / Connacht Rugby

Four Connacht players have been named to the Irish squad facing off against England this weekend, with Cian Prendergast making his international start.

Head Coach Andy Farrell has named the Ireland Match Day Squad for Saturday’s Bank of Ireland Nations Series clash against England at Aviva Stadium, which kick’s off at 5:30pm.

James Ryan will captain Ireland in the final home match before the Rugby World Cup, while Keith Earls is in line to win his 100th Test cap in green should he feature off the replacements bench.

Earls, who made his Ireland debut against Canada in November 2008, is set to become the ninth Ireland player to reach this landmark stage in his career.

He follows in the footsteps of Brian O’Driscoll (133), Ronan O’Gara (128), Cian Healy (124), Rory Best (124), Johnny Sexton (113), Paul O’Connell (108), John Hayes (105) and Conor Murray (105).

Hugo Keenan, Mack Hansen and James Lowe make up the Ireland starting back three, with Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose also set for their first appearances of the Bank of Ireland Nations Series in midfield. Leinster pair Ross Byrne and Jamison Gibson-Park start in the half-backs.

Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong start in the front row, with Tadhg Beirne joining Ryan in the second row.

Peter O’Mahony starts at blindside flanker, with Josh van der Flier at openside and Cian Prendergast set for his first Ireland start at number eight.

Ireland v England Matchday Squad:

(Province/Club/Caps)

15. Hugo Keenan (Leinster/UCD)(30)
14. Mack Hansen (Connacht/Corinthians)(14)
13. Garry Ringrose (Leinster/UCD)(50)
12. Bundee Aki (Connacht/Galwegians)(46)
11. James Lowe (Leinster)(20)
10. Ross Byrne (Leinster/UCD)(19)
9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster)(25)

1. Andrew Porter (Leinster/UCD)(53)
2. Dan Sheehan (Leinster/Lansdowne)(17)
3. Tadhg Furlong (Leinster/Clontarf)(66)
4. Tadhg Beirne (Munster/Lansdowne)(39)
5. James Ryan (Leinster/UCD)(captain)(53)
6. Peter O’Mahony (Munster/Cork Constitution)(94)
7. Josh van der Flier (Leinster/UCD)(50)
8. Cian Prendergast (Connacht/UCD)(2)

Replacements:

16. Rob Herring (Ulster/Ballynahinch)(35)
17. Jeremy Loughman (Munster/Garryowen)(1)
18. Finlay Bealham (Connacht/Buccaneers)(30)
19. Joe McCarthy (Leinster/Dublin University)(2)
20. Caelan Doris (Leinster/St Mary’s College)(29)
21. Conor Murray (Munster/Garryowen)(105)
22. Jack Crowley (Munster/Cork Constitution)(4)
23. Keith Earls (Munster/Young Munster)(99).

Connemara tourist spots on the road to UNESCO status

By

-

August 18, 2023

Western Region Geopark Evaluation — UNESCO Evaluators and all funding agencies' representatives of the Joyce Country and Western Lakes Region Geopark

The Joyce Country and Western Lakes region which covers Galway and Mayo has taken a step forward on its path to becoming a UNESCO Geopark.

This fascinating region contains Ireland’s only fjord at Killary, where glaciers cut a path through the land in the last ice age, and the beautiful karst landscape in the old woods between Cong and Clonbur, and many more geological delights.

The application for the Joyce Country and Western Lakes Region to become a Global Geopark was first submitted last November.

The most recent step forward for the aspiring Geopark came with the arrival of two UNESCO evaluators in July for a three day assessment.

The evaluators, Stéphane Legal and Antonio García Jímenez were shown around the region and met with stakeholders in a number of events highlighting the heritage, experiences and people the region has to offer.

The assessment included such iconic Galway spots as being lakeside by Kylemore Abbey and touring Killary Fjord on a boat.

If successful, the Joyce Country and Western Lakes Region will become the fourth UNESCO Geopark in Ireland.

It will join the ranks of iconic locations at Copper Coast in County Waterford; the Burren & Cliffs of Moher, County Clare; and Cuilcagh Lakelands in County Fermanagh and County Cavan.

Trish Walsh, Michael Hegarty, and UNESCO assessors on Killary fjord cruise

In the latest development of Joyce Country and Western Lakes aspiring Geopark, a 2023 – 2028 management plan for the region was launched in February.

This sets-out ideas, priorities and actions on tourism-led community and business development in the would-be Geopark.

New 30km/h speed limit for city centre coming into effect on August 28

By

-

August 18, 2023

Galway Daily news New 30km/h speed limit for city centre coming into effect on August 28

New speed limits for Galway City, including a 30km/h limit for much of the city centre, will come into effect from August 28.

The city council has formally adopted the Galway City Council Road Traffic (Special Speed Limits) Bye-Laws No. 1-2023.

This includes 30km/h speed limits for much of the city centre, something which the council first voted in favour of in March of last year.

The area of the city centre which will now be covered by the 30km/h limit, which includes the Docks, westside, downtown, and Bohermore, can be seen in this map.

Also under these bye-laws, the speed limit shall be set at 100km/h from the city boundary past the Martin Roundabout, towards the Coolagh Roundabout and beyond on the N6 until just before the junction with the Ballybane Road.

This will also be the limit set on the N83 Tuam Road from a point 670m north of its junction with the Castlegar Road, also known as School Road.

The speed limit will be set at 80km/h on the N6 from 100m east of the Kirwan Junction until it meets the Tuam Road, as well as on the Headford Road from 970m north of the junction with Bothar an Choiste, until the city boundary.

A speed limit of 60km/h is prescribed for the following roads:

The Headford Road from 173m north of the Bóthar an Chóiste junction, extending north to 975m from the said junction.
The N6 from its junction with the Tuam Road, eastwards to a point 80m from its junction with the Ballybane Road.
The N6 from its junction with the Thomas Hynes Road, eastwards to its
junction with the Seán Mulvoy Road and Headford Road.
The Tuam Road from 20m, north of its junction with the Castlegar Road (also known as School Road), to a point 670m from said junction.
The N59 Moycullen Road from 40m west of its junction with the Circular Road, northwestwards to the City Boundary.

Planning sought for Bohermore student accommodation complex

By

-

August 18, 2023

Galway Daily news Planning approval for Bohermore student accommodation complex

Planning permission is being sought for a student accommodation development on the Moneenageisha Road in Bohermore.

The application by Wallbury Limited is to amend a previously approved development to swap out planned apartments with student accommodation.

The part three-storey, part four-storey building would contain a total of 58 bed spaces across 11 apartments.

Plans submitted with the application show 14 car parking spaces serving this student accommodation complex.

This would have a larger footprint than the previously approved building, which was to contain 14 apartments with a total of 28 bedrooms.

A decision on this planning application is due from Galway City Council by October 4 of this year.

Nine arrests as Gardaí seize drugs in Ballinasloe area

By

-

August 17, 2023

Galway Daily news missing teen found safe

Gardaí have arrested nine people and seized €20,000 cash as along with controlled drugs worth €21,000 in the Ballinasloe area.

Gardaí and detectives carried out searches on five properties as well as a yard and horse stables in Ballinasloe.

Seven men and two women were arrested today for a number of alleged criminal offences.

Drug seizures included cocaine to the value of €9,500 and cannabis to the value of €11,500, along with a drugs press and other drugs paraphernalia.

Two men have been charged and will appear before a special sitting of Loughrea District Court tomorrow, Friday.

€282,600 approved for flood mitigation works in Galway City and County

By

-

August 17, 2023

galway daily news flood mitigation in galway city and county — Clarin River

Galway City and County Council’s applications for flood mitigation works have been successful, with €282,600 being approved for four projects.

The councils applied for funding under the Office of Public Works’ Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.

Under the scheme, the Office of Public Works has approved €163,800 in funding for works at Sruffaunacashlaun Stream & Distillery Channel.

This includes the desilting, masonry repair, repointing and water proofing of a 30-metre-long masonry arch culvert along with associated consultancy fees.

€54,000 in funding will be provided for the installation of a new 450 mm diameter concrete pipe crossing road with headwall and non-return valves at Moneen, Tuam.

A further €45,000 in funding for a Hydrological Study of the Clarin River Basin area as well as €19,800 in funding to install flap valves on 2 no. pipes and construct a 510 m³ retaining pond at Dunmore Golf Club.

Galway Weather Warning: Thundery downpours to cause dangerous driving conditions

By

-

August 17, 2023

galway daily news Weather warning for heavy wind and rain to hit Galway

Road users are being warned ahead of heavy rain forecast in Galway tomorrow, Friday.

Met Éireann issued a status yellow warning for heavy rain which will last from 2pm tomorrow, Friday, until 3am on Saturday morning.

They have forecasted heavy rain with thundery downpours on Friday and Friday night which could lead to spot flooding and difficult travelling conditions.

Eleven other counties are affected by the warning: Carlow, Clare, Cork, Kerry, Kilkenny, Laois, Limerick, Offaly, Tipperary, Waterford, and Wexford.

New report on Arts and Disability provision now available

By

-

August 17, 2023

galway daily news arts and disability report published

A new report profiling projects and programme pathways for disabled persons to access the arts has been published this week.

The report, titled Levelling Access – Mapping Arts and Disability Provision in Clare, Galway City and Mayo was launched by Mayo County Council Arts Service in partnership with Clare and Galway City Arts Officers.

It was awarded funding from the Arts Council’s Invitation to Collaboration scheme, which supports Local Authorities to work together on projects that benefit the development of the arts.

Over the last 25 years, all three arts services have gained significant experience in the development and support of nationally recognised arts and disability programmes.

This report (now available on mayo.ie) highlights current and potential barriers to sustaining and developing arts and disability provision.

It also considers a framework for future development that is flexible and can be adapted for different local authority contexts and guide progress for different stakeholders.

The compilation of this report is indebted to the artists, facilitators, people who work in disability resource organisations and local arts organisations in the three local authority areas who took the time to impart their knowledge, experience, and insights, and for signposting possible new routes and directions for people with disabilities to access the arts on their own terms.

Students must be protected from accommodation scams

By

-

August 17, 2023

Galway Daily news housing allocation scheme Gaeltacht

Galway West TD Mairéad Farrell has urged the government to take action to protect students from accommodation scams.

The Sinn Féin TD’s comments follow the launch of the ‘Scamwatch Campaign’ by student unions and Threshold.

Deputy Farrell said that is a severe shortage of student accommodation at colleges across the state, and that students are desperate to secure suitable rentals.

As a result, some are falling prey to scammers taking advantage of this desperation.

Deputy Farrell said that this is happening because the government has failed to take action and address the housing crisis despite clear and repeated warnings.

“I am deeply concerned by reports of students being scammed hundreds and even thousands of Euros when they attempt to secure accommodation,” she said.

“Government must act urgently to protect students and tackle the underlying issues around the lack of housing supply.

“I am concerned that international students are particularly vulnerable to these scams, as they may lack local knowledge to determine whether a rental advert is authentic or not.

“The government has totally failed student renters by abandoning them in the grip of the housing crisis. It isn’t good enough.”

Ballinasloe included in €10 million bioeconomy funding scheme

By

-

August 17, 2023

galway daily news ballinasloe funding EU

Ballinasloe has been included in a new €10 million support measure for the bioeconomy, co-funded by the Government and the European Union.

The ‘Bioeconomy Demonstration Initiative’ is part of the EU Just Transition Fund for Ireland and will support collaboration between stakeholders along the entire bio-based value chain.

This includes SMEs, universities, local authorities, clusters, primary producers, bioprocessing industries and consumer brands.

Making the announcement, Minister Charlie McConalogue said the bioeconomy has significant potential to improve the environmental, economic and social sustainability of the agri-food sector.

“It is now possible to replace products produced from fossil-resources with those produced by bio-resources from land and sea, including new biofertilisers and biopesticides, high protein food and feed, bio-based plastics and textiles, and much more besides,” he said.

“Utilising biomass, including biowastes, from agriculture, food production and processing in this circular way means we can extract more value from our agri-food system while simultaneously improving overall environmental and climate sustainability.”

Growing support for Julia Morrissey Bridge campaign

By

-

August 17, 2023

galway daily news julia morrissey bridge campaign

There is growing support across Galway for the campaign to name the city’s new pedestrian bridge in honour of 1916 veteran Julia Morrissey from Athenry.

Among those to add their voices of support are the local council of Mandate Trade Union, and the Galway branches of Forsa and Unite.

The Galway Council of Trade Unions has also voted to back the campaign to name the bridge after the Cumann na mBan leader.

From rebel hero to an unmarked grave

The tragic story of Julia Morrissey’s life is symbolic of the Irish state’s attitude towards women in the decades that followed the Treaty.

In the 1930s, Julia was admitted to the “mental asylum” in Ballinasloe, where she died four decades later. She then lay in an unmarked grave for 43 years.

The Julia Morrissey Bridge Campaign believes Galway City Council now have a fantastic opportunity to right this historic wrong against Julia Morrissey.

“I would strongly urge them to do the right thing by belatedly honouring her here in Galway,” said chairperson of the campaign committee, Ian Ó Dálaigh.

“It’s fantastic to see various local trade union bodies show their support for our campaign. Along with the support we’ve gained from university professors and historians, and the 1,300+ people who’ve signed our petition so far, it’s clear that there is a lot of appetite to see Galway’s new bridge named after Julia Morrissey.”

He added that this is a “huge opportunity for Galway City Council to be part of finally and fittingly remembering Julia in her native county.”

Speaking in Galway City, President of the Galway Council of Trade Unions, Eoghan Fox, said that trade unions have a long and proud history of supporting progressive campaigns.

“Continuing in that spirit, we are delighted to add our voice to the call for Galway’s new pedestrian bridge to be named in honour of Julia Morrissey,” he said.

Cyclist killed in crash involving bicycle and car

By

-

August 16, 2023