Here be Dragons on the streets on Galway

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July 23, 2023

Galway Daily news Galway RNLI come to aid of boat in trouble in poor weather

The Galway RNLI lifeboat came to the aid of a boat in trouble with multiple people aboard off the coast of Clare in poor weather on Friday.

Galway RNLI’s volunteer crew were requested by the Irish Coast Guard to assist a 30 foot motorboat, with five people on board, in difficulty off Blackhead in County Clare late on Friday evening.

The lifeboat launched at around 8.30pm with crew members David Oliver, Dave Badger, James Rattigan and Ian Claxton on board and headed towards the location of the motorboat which was north east of Finvarra Point, off Ballyvaughan.

Conditions at sea were challenging, with squally wind, rain and poor visibility. The crew on board the Galway lifeboat reached the motorboat at around 9pm and escorted the boat – which was under her own power – and the five people on board back to Galway Harbour.

David Oliver, who was helm on board the lifeboat said, “Our volunteer shore crew were waiting at the harbour and helped to secure the motorboat when she arrived back.”

“We were very pleased to be able to assist the five people on board the motorboat and make sure they got safely back to dry land.”

“Incidents can happen at any time. It is important that you always carry a means of calling for help when you are at sea and if you get into difficulty or see someone in difficulty please call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”

“The Coast Guard will then contact us and our lifeboat crew will respond immediately,” David said.

Gardaí renew appeal for info about fatal Mayo crash

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July 22, 2023

Galway Daily news missing teen found safe

Gardaí are renewing their appeal for witnesses in relation to the fatal road traffic collision on Saturday, 15th July in Swinford, Co. Mayo.

The collision, which involved two vehicles, occurred at approximately 3.35pm on the N5 at Ballymiles in Swinford.

The driver of one car, a man in his 50s, was fatally injured during the collision, while the male driver of the second car, and the passengers in both cars, received medical treatment at the time of the incident.

A technical examination of the scene was conducted by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact them.

Gardaí are anxious to speak with the occupants of the vehicles who were in the vicinity at the time of the collision, and any person who assisted at the scene of the collision.

Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling on the N5 between Swinford and Castlebar, and surrounding areas, on Saturday afternoon, 15th July 2023, are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Swinford Garda Station on 094 925 2990, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.

Blight warning issued for Galway

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July 22, 2023

galway daily news blight warning ireland

Met Éireann has issued a blight warning for all counties in the Republic for this weekend.

The forecasters say that conditions conducive to the spread of potato blight are expected to develop during today and Sunday morning.

The warning came into effect yesterday and will be lifted at 1pm on Sunday.

‘Rip-off home insurance increases must end’

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July 22, 2023

Galway Daily news Galway City Council has announced plans for a social housing development of 84 apartments and houses in Knocknacarra.

Galway East Sinn Féin’s Louis O’Hara has said that rip-off increases to home insurance must end following a warning by the Consumers’ Association of Ireland that premiums have jumped by almost 22% in the last year.

O’Hara welcomed the intervention by the Consumers’ Association of Ireland and shared their concerns.

He said that he knows that many homeowners in Galway have been shocked by excessive increases in their home insurance.

“This is an issue that Sinn Féin Finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty TD raised directly with the representative body of the industry, Insurance Ireland, in recent weeks,” said Mr O’Hara.

“This is happening at a time when households in Galway are already under huge pressure from the cost of living crisis. Mortgage interest rates, childcare costs, grocery bills and more are mounting up and families simply can’t afford another crippling cost.”

O’Hara said homeowners in Galway feel ripped-off and they need to know that these high bills will not continue.

“The Minister must intervene directly with the sector to ensure that costs come down without delay.

“Government must act to ensure that workers and families in Galway get a break from the cost of living crisis urgently.”

“NATO wouldn’t want us – we’re a laughing stock” says Galway senator

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July 21, 2023

Senator Gerard Craughwell has hit out at the government after new statistics revealed that the number of military personnel in the Defence Forces is at its lowest since 1980.

The stats, released to Labour Wexford TD Brendan Howlin, show that over 5,000 personnel have left the Defence Forces within the last seven years.

At the end of May, the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service had just 7,764 staff.

But Senator Craughwell said the situation is actually much worse as the numbers are artificially inflated by the inclusion of recruits, privates, cadets, second lieutenants and apprentices.

He said that “nothing seems to be stopping the collapse of our Defence Forces”.

“Reports are drafted detailing problems and then they’re ignored,” he said.

“A commission was established to examine the future of the Defence Forces and neutered at its establishment as it really could not deal with pay and conditions.”

“Its report was with us for over a year. Nothing has happened. It is not only our security being put at risk; it’s our place in the world.”

The Independent senator added: “Some people are fearful that the government would force Ireland to join NATO, but they wouldn’t want us. We have nothing to give.

“We big ourselves up seeking high profile seats on the UN Security Council etc. In reality, we are now a laughingstock.”

Missing 9-month-old baby found safe and well

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July 21, 2023

The missing 9-month-old baby from Co. Roscommon has been located safe and well.

Sinita Ward McDonagh, was reported missing this week from Castlerea in Roscommon.

Gardaí confirmed this afternoon that she has been found safe, and thanked the public for their assistance in the matter.

Public reminded of Roscommon Injury Unit for less serious injuries

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July 21, 2023

galway daily news broken arm at roscommon injury unit

Roscommon Injury Unit has reminded that public that they are open during the summer for people who have less serious illnesses and injuries.

Patients attending the unit are typically seen and discharged quicker than if they attended an emergency department, where patients with more serious illnesses take priority.

Elisa Bridgeman, Clinical Nurse Manager at Roscommon Injury Unit, said that duirng the summer months, there is an increase in people presenting with broken bones, sprains and other injuries that occurred while playing sports.

“The Injury Unit provides an excellent service to our patients with our clinical team of highly experienced doctors, advanced nurse practitioners and nurses,” she said.

She said that over the summer months last year, over 3,674 patients attended Roscommon Injury Unit.

“Typically, we see a lot of injuries to ankles, wrists and fingers, often caused by playing various sports,” added Elisa.

The most common injuries treated at HSE Injury Units over the summer months are broken bones, joint sprains, dislocations, cuts, wounds and burns.

HSE Injury Units treat injuries that are not life-threatening, and can look after wrist and ankle injuries that may occur when playing sports, as well as removing foreign bodies from the eye, ear and nose.

Staff take X-rays, apply plaster casts and treat wounds by stitches or other means. They provide swift access to tests, can refer patients to specialist care and arrange follow-up appointments where necessary.

“We are seeing some patients from outside our catchment area in areas bordering Roscommon, such as Sligo, Mayo, Longford, Galway, as well as holiday-makers who are in the area,” added Elisa Bridgeman.

“Along with the high standards and efficiency of the service, we also have free parking. If you have an injury that is not life-threatening and needs treatment, we recommend you visit Roscommon Injury Unit.

“However, for patients with urgent and life threatening injuries, they should still go to the Emergency Department. Injury Units are not able to treat serious head, back, chest or neck injuries, abdominal (stomach) pain, medical illnesses or mental health problems. Roscommon Injury Unit does not treat children under the age of five.”

You do not need an appointment to attend Roscommon Injury Unit and the cost to attend the Injury Unit is €75.

There is no charge for patients with full medical cards or with a valid medical/GP referral letter.

Roscommon Injury Unit is open at 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.

Planning application submitted for long awaited Ambulance Base in Recess

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July 21, 2023

galway daily news Planning application submitted for long awaited Ambulance Base in Recess — Pic: Gregory Clarke

A planning application has been submitted for the long awaited Ambulance Base in Recess to serve the Connemara area.

The HSE has submitted a planning application to refurbish the existing Health Centre Lios Uachtair, Recess in order for it to serve as an ambulance base.

The works will include fabric & energy upgrades to the building, as well as internal alterations to accommodate the ambulance crews.

This accommodation will include the provision of an office/radio room, kitchenette, universally accessible WC, locker/changing room, seating area & ancillary storage facilities.

Other works will include installing two ambulance bays, other car parking, footpaths, and accessibility accommodations.

A decision on this planning application is due from the County Council by September 6.

The Connemara Ambulance Crisis Group has expressed disappointment at how long it is taking to deliver the new ambulance base.

It was first announced in November 2021 that the Health Centre had been chosen as its location, and it was initially expected to open in Spring of 2022.

Work underway to replace old and damaged water mains in Rosscahill

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July 21, 2023

Galway Daily news Water network improvements for Inverin as old mains being replaced

Uisce Eireann is undertaking works to replace a kilometre and a half of aged and damaged water mains in the Rosscahill area.

The works on 1.5km of mains at Rosscahill West are meant cut down on leakage and outages, and provide a more reliable water supply for the area.

Ageing pipes can, over time, significantly impact water quality, leakage levels, and pressure.

Replacing these pipes will greatly reduce the levels of leakage and bursts resulting in service interruptions affecting customers and local businesses.

Uisce Éireann’s Gerry O’Donnell said, “Securing Galway’s water supply remains a priority for Uisce Éireann and it is great to see this work commencing which will reduce the risk of outages from bursts now and into the future.”

“Fewer bursts and less leakage mean a stronger more resilient supply for homes and businesses.”

Gerry added, “This section of water mains was prioritised for investment and replacement by Uisce Éireann due to its age and deteriorating condition, resulting in supply interruptions to homes and businesses.”

“When completed, this project will improve water quality, significantly reduce leakage and provide local residents with a sustainable and more reliable water supply for generations to come.”

“I would like to thank the local community in advance for their patience and cooperation during the works. We know based on previous experiences that the short-term inconvenience will be overshadowed by the long-term benefits.”

The works will be carried out on behalf of Uisce Éireann by Farrans Construction and are expected to be completed by October.

Traffic management in the form of road closure will be in place off the N59 (Clifden Road) along Rosscahill West, (H91 KHX9) to allow the works to be delivered safely and efficiently.

Areas of work will be limited to short sections to minimise impact on customers. Local and emergency traffic will be maintained at all times.

Green light for new wine bar in vacant Salthill premises

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July 21, 2023

Plans to open new wine bar in vacant Salthill premises

Planning approval has been granted for the opening of a trendy new wine bar in a vacant premises in Salthill.

The City Council has given the green light for the owners of O’Connors Famous Pub in Salthill to convert the former off-licence on Upper Salthill Road.

The business is located on the ground floor of the building, with apartments on the upper floors.

Planning permission was granted by the city council with five conditions attached, one of which stipulated that the flat roof at the rear of the premises may not be used as a terrace/seating area.

The operator must also insulate the premises against sound transmission to prevent annoyance to nearby occupants.

The premises, which will be connected to O’Connor’s for staff usage, has been vacant for approximately two years.

“There is a call for a high end wine bar in the Salthill area,” a cover letter for the plans states, adding that there is a need for more vibrancy in the area.

“It is proposed to have a high end internal finish and to provide a very attractive front elevation. The signage will be in keeping with the shopfront and signage guidelines.”

CCPC approves acquisition of City Bin Co by Thorntons Recycling

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July 21, 2023

CCPC approves acquisition of City Bin Co by Thorntons Recycling

The CCPC has cleared the way for Thorntons Recycling to take over the City Bin Co, after investigating the acquisition since last December.

The City Bin Co. is a waste disposal company operating in Galway and Dublin, which serves thousands of homes and employs approximately 200 people.

Thorntons and City Bin Co. agreed on a takeover deal in July of last year, and the matter was later referred to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.

Following an initial investigation last December, the CCPC determined that a full investigation was required to establish if the acquisition would lead to a substantial lessening of competition in the State.

Some concerns were identified that households in areas served by both companies could see increased prices and diminished quality of domestic waste collection services as a result.

The CCPC has now given the green light for the takeover deal, subject to a commitment to divest those customers in areas served by both companies.

The purchaser of those contracts for waste collection services will be subject to the CCPC’s approval.

Man in critical condition after serious assault in Galway City

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July 20, 2023

A man in his 30s is in a critical condition in Beaumont Hospital in Dublin after he was assaulted on Dominic Street in Galway City in the early hours of Thursday morning.

The man was taken to University Hospital Galway by ambulance and has since been transferred to Beaumont Hospital.

The assault is believed to have occurred at approximately 2.30am and Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to the assault to come forward.

Any road users, including taxi drivers and pedestrians who may have camera footage (including dash cam) and were in the area of Dominic Street, Galway City between 2am and 2.45am on Thursday 20 July 2023 are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Galway Street Garda station on 091 538 000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

Gardaí say investigations are ongoing.

JP McMahon launches ‘The Aniar Academy’ for aspiring teenage chefs

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July 20, 2023

GALWAY DAILY NEWs jp mcmahon with food student in galway — Kailum Concannon and JP McMahon

Following the success of Aniar Cooking classes for adults, local Michelin starred chef and restaurateur JP McMahon has launched the Aniar Academy for teenagers aged between 15 and 18 years old.

The course is limited to just six students and will run each Saturday over a six-week period starting this September.

Aspiring teenagers who are serious about their cooking will be taught by JP McMahon in a small group to ensure individual attention.

Over the course of six weeks, students will cover bread, meat, fish, vegetables, savoury baking and sweet baking.

They will be taught basic techniques such as filleting, preparing vegetables, poaching and roasting as well as more advanced or unusual techniques like pickling, smoking and an introduction to fermentation.

They will prepare focaccia, brioche and soda bread along with dishes such as classic roast chicken, beef wellington, chowder, roast leg of lamb and various vegetable dishes, such as celeriac baked in hay with onion purée and wild mushrooms.

“Due to the success of our online classes for children during the Covid period it indicated there is a demand for classes for teens and young adults,” said JP.

“I have always been passionate about promoting cooking as a life skill so whether this course serves as a foundation for the participants cooking into the future or a pathway to a professional kitchen they will reap the benefits of confidence in the kitchen.”

An alumnus of JP’s junior training is Kailum Concannon. Kailum started his experience in Aniar by attending a cooking course with his mum at the Aniar Boutique Cookery School and was eager to keep learning during his time in transition year.

Once his work experience placement was over he continued to be a presence in the kitchen and eventually, once he finished school, it became a full-time job for him. He believes the Aniar Academy will inspire young chefs.

“JP has been a great source of inspiration for me, and the academy will help them gain confidence and experience that will hopefully see them continue to work in the industry, there is such a shortage of chefs now so this will help this issue in future,” said Kailum.

There will be two terms of the Aniar Academy over the winter period, with the first term commencing on the 9th of September for six weeks each Saturday from 10am to 2pm. Limited to six students aged between 15 and 18 years old.

The price for the six-week course is €495 and includes an Aniar apron, a copy of the Irish Cookbook, and a weekly recipe handout.

Gardaí concerned about well-being of missing 9-month-old baby

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July 20, 2023

galway daily news missing baby roscommon

Gardaí are seeking the public’s assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 9-month-old Sinita Ward McDonagh.

Sinita is missing from Castlerea, Co. Roscommon and was last seen at 09.55am on Monday, 17 July in Castlerea.

Sinita is believed to be in the company of an adult female relative, Julie Ward.

An Garda Síochána have ongoing concerns for the well-being of Sinita.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Castlerea Garda Station on 094 962 1630, the Garda confidential line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.

Swimmers getting legs tangled in reeds at popular Galway swimming area

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July 20, 2023

galway daily news portumna swimming water reeds

Galway County Councillor Declan Kelly is calling for the immediate clearing of a bank of underwater reeds from the swimming area in Portumna.

Cllr Kelly, who lives in Portumna, has said that several swimmers have been in contact with him about their legs getting entangled in the reeds.

Cllr Kelly called the swimming area a ‘wonderful amenity’, which has seen large numbers of swimmers frequenting it during fine weather.

“Unfortunately, however, there has been a fairly strong growth of underwater reeds between the two jetties at the swimming area,” he said.

“As a result, I have received quite a number of phone calls from concerned swimmers who have reported their legs getting entangled in the reeds as they swim from jetty to jetty.”

These reeds have grown to the extent that a number can be seen above the surface of the water and Cllr Kelly understands that some work has taken place at this area and that about two barrowfuls of reeds have been removed and taken away.

“Clearly, however, there is much more to be done as there is a danger that a swimmer may get into difficulty and be unable to free their legs.

“I have therefore contacted Galway County Council and requested that the underwater bank of reeds be removed immediately so that local and visiting swimmers can enjoy the amenity with the most enhanced level of safety.”

Award winning photographers to lead photo walks at University of Galway

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July 20, 2023

University of Galway is offering a unique opportunity to explore its riverside campus through the lens of a mobile phone camera with the Campus Festival Photo Walks on 28 and 29 July.

Award winning photographers and leading figures in mobile photography, Dan Rubin and Brendan Ó Sé will guide visitors along the University’s biodiversity trail to learn about the campus while enhancing their photography skills.

Dan Rubin, an award-winning designer, photographer, and creative director based in the US and UK has over 25 years of experience.

Co-founder of New Style Publishing and webgraph, he has travelled the world on photographic commissions for select clientele and led workshops with Leica Akademie, Polaroid, Kodak, and The Photographers’ Gallery.

Dan is a recurring juror for the International Photography Awards and the ColorPro Award, and has been a WPO Academy member since 2016. His first photographic book, Koya Bound, won the AIGA Cover Design Award in 2017.

Brendan Ó Sé is an award-winning fine art and iPhone photographer from Cork. Brendan was part of the original Apple #shotoniPhone global campaign in 2015 and was named iPhone Photographer of the Year in 2017.

He has exhibited his work globally and his mobile photography workshops, held with the Photo Museum of Ireland and the Glusckman Gallery in Cork, have attracted a wide audience. Brendan’s unique approach to street photography results in striking and distinct imagery.

The University has been found to be Ireland’s most biodiverse campus and the biodiversity trail takes in a range of flora and fauna in woodland and riverside settings.

Dr Paul Dodd, Vice President of Engagement at University of Galway, said: “Our campus is a popular amenity for all our local communities to use, and we look forward to welcoming world-leading photographers to show us how to take a great photo while we showcase the history and biodiversity on our doorstep.”

The Campus Festival Photo Walks are free to attend and bookings can be made at https://www.eventbrite.ie/o/university-of-galway-54327075003.

24 calls to ISPCA in Galway between January and May

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July 20, 2023

galway daily news ispca calls for help from galway public — Denise McCausland, National Head of Animal Welfare at the ISPCA with three-week-old Corgi Puppy “Rhino”. Pic. Robbie Reynolds

The ISPCA has renewed its call for urgent assistance from people in Galway with the crisis currently facing animals amid a sharp increase in animal cruelty and pets being abandoned.

In Galway, 24 calls were made to the animal welfare charity between January and May 2023.

If this continues, the organisation expects to lodge a total of 42 calls in Galway alone by the end of the year.

The increase in animal cruelty means that the ISPCA urgently needs funds to care for and house the animals coming to them.

They said that the public responded well to the initial call for funding, and that “it is having a genuine impact”. But the charity said that more needs to be done to resolve the issue.

Dr Cyril Sullivan, CEO of the ISPCA, thanked all those who contributed so far, saying that it has made a big difference.

“The Irish public has donated over €100,000 so far in a true display of their care for animals,” said Dr Sullivan.

“However, every animal matters and we still have a need to raise as much again to meet this crisis. I know it is difficult and I know many people who want to contribute just haven’t gotten around to it. But the need is urgent.

“So many have already contributed, if you care and want to help the time to do it is now, please join with the thousands of people who are responding with generosity. We can do this; we can overcome this crisis and change the lives of these animals. To do that we need that support now.”

Dr Sullivan said that rhe post-pandemic surge in cases has placed a significant financial burden and demand for space on the charity.

“The ISPCA remains committed to helping every animal in need and has not turned away any distressed or neglected animal needing rescue.

“To accommodate the growing number of animals rescued, the ISPCA’s facilities are at full capacity and has been forced to install temporary facilities and utilise private kennels, leading to substantial, unforeseen costs.”

Please donate today at www.ispca.ie/donate or by contacting their offices directly at 043 3325035.

Follow them on Instagram @ispca_official or Facebook @irish.spca to find out more about the ISPCA and our National Emergency Appeals Campaign.

Galway City street closing for four weeks of roadworks

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July 19, 2023

Presentation Road in downtown Galway City will be closing for four weeks come September for a variety of roadworks to take place.

The road will be shut for the majority of the month in order to allow the installation of duct and drainage crossing, kerbing footpath and resurfacing works.

In order to enable these works, the road will be shut between Newcastle Road and the Eglinton Canal Bridge.

The period of the closure will be from Monday, September 4 through to Friday, September 29.

A temporary diversion route will be in place via Newcastle Road, St. Helens Street and New Road.

Local access will be maintained at all times the city council has said.

Galway’s multi-award winning Handsome Burger opens Dublin Airport franchise

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July 19, 2023