A man was hospitalised with a serious injuries following an assault which occurred in the Salthill area of Galway City on Sunday night.
Gardaí are investigating the assault which occurred on Sunday, July 23 at approximately 9:10pm in Salthill.
A man in his 20s suffered serious injuries and was taken to University Hospital Galway for treatment.
An Garda Síochána have said that no arrests have yet been made, and that investigations are ongoing.
Rivers in Galway, Mayo, Cork, and Kerry accounted for more than half of all salmon angling in Ireland last year.
The River Corrib accounted for 5.9% percent of all salmon angling in 2022, the fourth highest level in the country.
The only rivers more popular with salmon anglers were the River Moy, Co. Mayo (18%), River Blackwater (Lismore), Co Cork (16.1%), and River Laune, Co Kerry (7.3%).
Last year anglers in Ireland released back 54 percent of their wild salmon catch, compared to 52 percent in 2021, and 51 percent in 2020.
Barry Fox, Head of Operations at Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) said, “Catch-and-release of salmonids in Irelands rivers and lakes is becoming the norm.”
“It is very encouraging to see the year-on-year increase in the catch-and-release of salmon. This method supports the angling community to sustainably fish, and conserves our salmon stocks.”
“Wild Atlantic salmon and sea trout continue to face numerous risks, including climate change, water pollution, and illegal fishing.”
“I commend all our stakeholders who participate in the Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme – which limits the number of fish that can be retained – and helps ensure its continued success.”
The Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Statistics Report 2022 outlines the total number of fish caught by all methods (commercial and angling, including catch and release) was 26,715 salmon, and 2,082 sea trout.
This is a reduction of 14 percent on the total salmon catch recorded in 2021 (31,148), but an increase of 30 percent of the total sea trout catch recorded that year (1,595).
Anglers from 42 different countries held salmon rod licences in 2022.
Most of these licences were sold to residents of the Republic of Ireland (66.5pc), followed by Northern Ireland(11pc), and England/Scotland/Wales(6.6pc).
Hundreds of anglers from France, Germany, and the United States also bought salmon licences in 2022 during trips here.
Galway County Council has given its approval for the retention and expansion of St. Teresa’s Special School in Ballinasloe.
The school sought retention permission for a building with two classrooms on the grounds of Ballinasloe Enterprise Centre.
The school also sought approval for the construction of a single storey modular expansion, which would contain three new classrooms.
Retention and planning approval was granted by the city council with three conditions attached.
The planning permission for the school and its expansion are limited to five years, after which they must be removed if a further extension has not been granted.
These are all part of the temporary facilities currently being used by St Teresa’s while a permanent school building is in the pipeline.
Minister for Education Norma Foley said earlier this year that St. Teresa’s has been included in the ADAPT programme for fast-tracking new school construction.
It was a busy weekend for the Aran Islands RNLI as their lifeboat was called out to multiple rescues after two yachts got into difficulty.
Saturday night proved to be a long odyssey for the volunteer lifeboat crew, as they spent the better part of six hours working in rough seas.
The all-weather lifeboat launched at 10:58m on Saturday night in response to a call-out by the Coast Guard to help a yacht in trouble two nautical miles north east of Kilmurvey Bay.
The lifeboat launched under Coxswain Declan Brannigan and a full crew onboard and headed straight for the yacht.
Conditions at the time of launching were tough, with poor visibility, squally showers, a west to south-west force 5 wind blowing and a 3m sea swell.
Arriving on scene, the crew assessed the situation and were happy the crew aboard the yacht were in good health and in no immediate danger. The yacht was drifting as the steering had stopped working completely.
A decision was made to establish a tow line but due to the conditions it was difficult to maintain.
A discussion between the lifeboat crew and the Coast Guard resulted in Casla Coast Guard being tasked to the scene, joining them south of Cannon Rock light.
The Coast Guard set up a tow line with the yacht, and the lifeboat escorted them both to calmer waters in Casla Bay, where they were then able bring the yacht to safety in Ros a Mhíl Harbour.
The lifeboat returned to Kilronan Harbour on Inis Mór shortly after 5am on Sunday morning after a long night at sea.
Speaking after the call outs, Aran Islands RNLI Coxswain Declan Brannigan said, “Saturday was a long night for the volunteer crew but the benefits of regular training paid off.”
“Experience is earned from showing up. I am extremely proud of how they conducted themselves.”
Prior to this, the lifeboat were also requested to launch the lifeboat by the Irish Coast Guard at 6:26pm last Friday, to help a 15m yacht in difficulty in Casheen Bay, north of the Aran Islands.
Conditions at the time of launching were challenging with moderate visibility, a 2-3m sea swell and a south-west force 6 wind blowing.
Arriving on scene, the crew assessed the situation, and established the yacht with one person onboard was in no immediate danger.
A tow line was established and once clear of a nearby fish farm, the sailor was able to start his engine and the tow line was dropped.
The lifeboat guided the yacht out past Ceann Golam and towards Cannon Rock and the entrance to the channel for Ros a Mhíl harbour. The yacht proceeded safely towards the harbour unaided.
“There was a great response time from the crew for both call outs and in the first call out on Friday, we were able to get to the yacht quickly, and tow the sailor out safely,” Declan Brannigan said.
“Saturday’s call out proved more challenging with the conditions and the hours of darkness but again, we were delighted to bring all seven to safety. Calling the Coast Guard for assistance in both these cases was the correct move.”
“Even in the summer conditions can change quickly and push even the most experienced sailors out of their comfort zones.”
“We would encourage everyone to be fully trained in the usage of all their equipment onboard ahead of their planned trip at sea.”
In a strategic move, ENV Media, an Irish tech firm, has announced a strategic partnership with the influential KTO Group in the burgeoning Brazilian market. This exciting collaboration will serve as a gateway to expand their reach into Brazil’s thriving iGaming industry.
By joining forces with KTO Group, ENV aims to revolutionize the Brazilian market with cutting-edge front-end optimization, immersive user experiences, and organic growth strategies.
ENV Media’s strategic choice to target the vibrant Brazilian market emerges from a meticulous analysis of its potential, painting a promising picture for iGaming success. According to a recent study by KPMG, the Brazilian gaming market’s annual revenue could reach an astounding $2.2 billion.
These impressive figures clearly indicate Brazil’s growth prospects and position it as the perfect destination for their expansion efforts. With a population of over 200 million, the country presents a massive audience of potential iGaming enthusiasts eagerly seeking innovative and captivating experiences.
ENV’s partnership with the esteemed KTO Group builds upon their previous triumphs in the iGaming industry with sevenjackpots.com. Armed with expertise in front-end optimization, content creation, and targeted marketing, they have achieved remarkable results in various markets.
The collaboration with KTO Group in Brazil introduces the new 7JP platform, positioning them as frontrunners in the Brazilian iGaming sector. This strategic alliance underscores their dedication to innovation and commitment to providing unparalleled experiences for their valued partners and users.
Recognizing the importance of a strong local team for future projects, ENV Media acknowledges the housing crisis in Ireland as a significant hurdle in their hiring strategy. In response, the company has taken a forward-thinking approach by embracing remote work options for their employees.
By adopting this progressive model, ENV can attract top-tier professionals from all corners of Ireland, securing the brightest minds in the industry, regardless of their geographic location. This move reaffirms their commitment to adaptability, competitiveness, and upholding the highest quality standards.
The alliance between ENV Media and KTO Group sets the stage for an exhilarating performance in Brazil’s iGaming industry. Their joint entry into this market represents a bold stride towards growth and innovation. Leveraging their expertise in front-end optimization and marketing, ENV is poised to elevate KTO Group’s presence and enhance the user experience in Brazil.
As ENV fortifies their team and embraces the evolving landscape, they remain steadfast in their mission to deliver unparalleled products and services that captivate the hearts of Brazilian gamers. With Brazil’s population rapidly growing and a strong affinity for gambling, this strategic partnership has the potential to orchestrate an unforgettable symphony of success in the dynamic and fiercely competitive iGaming industry.+
Galway County Council has granted planning approval for a residential development of 35 houses in Mountbellew.
The council has given the green light to an application by Cahermorris Development Limited for development on 1.4ha site north of the R358, to the east of the town centre.
Planning permission was granted with 18 conditions attached. One condition stipulated that all of the houses must be sold, in the first instance, to individual purchasers.
The estate will comprise 16 three-bed terraced houses arrayed in four blocks, with the remainder being detached and semi-detached houses with three or four beds.
Access to the estate will be via an existing road onto the R358 College Road to the south.
The county council expressed concerns about Mountbellew’s capacity to treat the wastewater from any new residential development.
In response the developer submitted information that a temporary private wastewater treatment system will be installed on the site. This will remain in operation until upgrades are carried out on Mountbellew WWTP, which is expected to be in Q4 2027.
Gems have long been the centerpiece of jewelry, cherished for their beauty and rarity. While diamonds, rubies, and emeralds have dominated the landscape for centuries, a relative newcomer has made its mark in the world of gems, and it’s known as moissanite. From its celestial origins to its exceptional properties, moissanite is a gem that continues to fascinate and enchant.
Whether you’re a seasoned gem collector, a jewelry lover, or a curious reader, join us on this journey as we delve into the captivating world of moissanite, and you might find your new favorite gemstone!
Our story starts, rather surprisingly, in a meteorite crater. Henri Moissan, a French scientist, found minute quantities of a new mineral in fragments from a meteorite that had landed in Arizona. That mineral was silicon carbide, which was later named “moissanite” in honor of its discoverer. However, it’s important to note that the moissanite stone we find in our favorite pieces of jewelry isn’t scooped from meteorite craters. Despite its celestial origins, almost all moissanite in the jewelry market today is created in laboratories.
What sets moissanite apart is its incredible optical properties. When it comes to brilliance (the professional term for “sparkle”), moissanite is off the charts. In fact, it sparkles more than a diamond! That is due to its high refractive index, which determines how much light the stone reflects.
But the beauty of moissanite isn’t just in its brilliance – it’s also in its fire. Fire refers to the stone’s ability to disperse light into the colors of the rainbow, and moissanite exceptionally showcases this property.
There’s been a long-standing debate about whether moissanite is a suitable substitute for diamond. While it’s true that the two share several similarities, there are also some notable differences. Moissanite is less hard and dense than diamond, but it outperforms diamond in terms of brilliance and fire. Not to mention, it’s a far more affordable option, and it’s sustainable and conflict-free, thanks to its lab-grown nature.
In the wide universe of gemstones, each stone has its unique charm. While rubies and sapphires are prized for their vibrant colors, pearls for their classic elegance, and emeralds for their rich green hue, moissanite stands out for its intense brilliance and fire. It also rivals the best in terms of durability, scoring a 9.25 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it suitable for everyday wear. So, while other gemstones each bring their individual allure, moissanite offers a combination of qualities that is hard to match.
As the world becomes more conscious of sustainability, moissanite’s appeal is not just limited to its beauty. Unlike traditional minin, which can lead to environmental degradation and social conflict, the process of creating moissanite in a laboratory is low-impact and conflict-free. Moreover, lab growing allows for better control over the final product’s quality and size.
This ethical, sustainable nature of moissanite production contributes significantly to its growing popularity. When you opt for a piece of moissanite jewelry, you’re choosing a path that’s not just beautiful, but also kind to our planet and its people.
The jewelry world has seen a noticeable shift in recent years, with moissanite making its way into the spotlight. Its stunning brilliance and fire, coupled with its affordability and sustainable production, make it a hot favorite among modern consumers. Engagement rings are a particularly popular application, where moissanite’s larger-than-life sparkle can truly shine. However, it’s not just confined to rings.
The versatility of moissanite is evident in its use across various jewelry pieces, from necklaces and bracelets to earrings and even brooches. Its rising popularity signals a changing tide in consumer preferences toward sustainable yet exquisite choices.
In the end, whether you prefer diamonds or are ready to embrace the stunning qualities of moissanite, it’s all a matter of personal preference. One thing is certain, though: moissanite, with its cosmic origins and exceptional sparkle, truly is a gem like no other. So next time you’re on the hunt for a new piece of jewelry, why not consider moissanite? You might just find that its celestial sparkle is exactly what you’ve been looking for.
Several bars from the Connacht Hospitality Group have been nominated for multiple accolades at the prestigious 2023 Irish Bar of the Year Awards.
The bars have been nominated for 11 awards across an array of categories, and the winners will be announced at the grand finale at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, Dublin, on August 21.
The Irish Bar of the Year Awards sees a panel of experts handpick the best bars each year from across the country, and these judges oversee a slew of diverse and exciting categories.
Winners from each category have the honour of holding their titles until at least the following year.
An Púcán, HYDE Bar & Gin Parlour, 1520, and The Connacht Hotel will all hope to win awards across several categories.
Of these, An Púcán has been nominated in the most amount of categories as it stands to potentially claim five awards.
The Forster Street bar could potentially win the Innovative Bar of the Year, City Bar of the Year, Best Bar to Watch the Match, and Outside Space of the Year – plus, its Manager Conor Moloney is up for Bar Manager of the Year.
An Púcán’s covered Beer Garden has recently been upgraded to include one of the largest TV screens in the country and remains one of the liveliest spots in Galway City for watching live televised sport.
HYDE Bar has received the second-most nominations among the CHG bars, and the Galway City-centre spot could claim as many as three awards (Cocktail Bar of the Year, Hotel Bar of the Year, and Gin Bar of the Year).
As one of the most stylish bars in Galway City, it has earned a remarkable reputation as a boho-chic retreat with unique cocktails, chef-crafted food, and elegant surroundings.
The Connacht Hotel is up for two awards – Hotel Bar of the Year as well as Outside Space of the Year (owing to its eye-catching new space The Aviary).
Plus, 1520 could claim the Tourist Bar of the Year gong thanks to its medieval history, welcoming atmosphere, and fantastic location on Quay Street.
The 2023 Irish Bar of the Year Awards will take place at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, Dublin, on August 21st – and the awards ceremony will begin at 7:45 pm on the night.
A lucky Lotto player in Galway is €133,104 richer this week after matching five numbers and the bonus in the main draw on Saturday.
The winning ticket was purchased using the recently launched Scheduled Play service in the National Lottery app. The West of Ireland winner has now taken the title of largest winner to date using the new service.
A Daily Million player in Monaghan became the 22nd National Lottery millionaire of 2023 after scooping the top prize of €1 million in the 9pm draw on Friday night.
The National Lottery will reveal the winning store location tomorrow, Tuesday 25th July.
An online player in Dublin was also celebrating on Friday night after matching five numbers and one lucky star in the EuroMillions draw to win €164,674.
A National Lottery spokesperson said: “What a weekend it was across National Lottery games! A Monaghan Daily Million player has now become Ireland’s newest millionaire while two online players in Dublin and Galway had plenty to celebrate after the EuroMillions and Lotto draws.”
“The Galway Lotto winner scooped €133,104 after matching five numbers and the bonus in Saturday night’s draw. This is a record-breaking win as the winning ticket was purchased using our recently launched Scheduled Play service in our app.”
“The service is available for Lotto and EuroMillions games in the National Lottery app and allows players to cancel or edit their play schedule at any time up to one draw in advance.”
“It truly is a game-changer for our players as they can now enjoy continuous play without worrying about missing a draw or forgetting to purchase their ticket in time.”
BHSL, the Irish company behind a series of acquisitions in the water and wastewater sector and the parent company of Galway-based Glan Agua, is rebranding to Glanua and is announcing the creation of 250 new jobs.
The newly formulated Glanua Group LTD will be headquartered in Loughrea at the Railway House premises where Glan Agua is already based.
The company will specialise in delivering innovative and sustainable engineering solutions to design, build and maintain critical water and wastewater infrastructure across Ireland and the UK.
Glanua is now seeking to fill 100 new roles in the environmental and engineering sectors and plans to add another 150 staff over the next five years.
Karl Zimmerer, Managing Director of Glanua Group, said: “We are excited to reveal our rebrand to Glanua Group and to announce our plans to hire more staff.”
“This new brand is a key part of an internal integration process that will ensure we continue to supply our clients in Ireland, the UK and across the world with innovative and sustainable engineering solutions for their water and wastewater needs.”
“We look forward to continuing to grow the group through strategic investments in further acquisitions, increased synergies, the sharing of our in-house expertise and the recruitment of talented staff to work alongside our high-performing and dedicated employees.”
“We have set ambitious targets and we are confident we can achieve them, working together from our new and expanding group headquarters in Loughrea.”
“This is the start of a new chapter for Glanua and it is a positive development for Loughrea, for Galway and for Ireland’s ambition to be a lead country in the provision of sustainable and critical engineering solutions.”
The company has experienced significant growth in recent years and already employs 320 people across the Group.
Its clients include Uisce Éireann, Thames Water, Yorkshire Water, Northern Irish Water, Kerry Group, Glanbia and ABP.
Total revenue in Glanua amounted to €97m in 2022, and is projected to increase to €150m this year.
Local TD Seán Canney has received confirmation from the HSE that the National Clinical Programme for the treatment of ADHD has not yet been extended to the Community Health West.
The Galway East TD said that the HSE could not advise him as to when this service will be put in place, which he said is “typical of announcing a National Plan but failing in the implementation of it.”
He said that this leaves the West without parity of service, with patients having no option but to travel to Dublin for treatment and consultations.
“It is time that the HSE treated all citizens with respect and at least have a plan that is deliverable with timelines, so we know what to expect and when to expect the services to be in place,” said Deputy Canney.
“We have a fine Primary Care Unit located in Tuam with space to provide the service and is ideally located to serve the needs of Galway, Mayo and Roscommon and the West.”
Multiple areas on the west side of Galway City may experience water outages on Monday due to infrastructure works taking place.
Uisce Eireann is carrying out reservoir upgrades which may cause water supply disruptions.
People living in Circular Rd, Westside, Dangan and surrounding areas may experience water outages.
The works are scheduled to take place from 10am to 4pm on Monday, July 24.
It may take 2 – 3 hours after they are completed before people see their full water supply restored.
Four programmes operating in Galway for the integration of refugees into the community have been awarded funding.
Minister of State Joe O’Brien has announced €1.2 million in funding to 70 not-for-profit, civil society organisations for International Protection support based projects.
Galway City Partnership has been awarded €16,000 for its ‘Art Bridge: Building Connections Through Creativity’, and Croí na Gaillimhe will get €5,000 for their ‘Swimming and Soccer for Children in DP’.
Africa Solidarity Centre CLG has been awarded the maximum of €20,000 to help asylum seekers understand the legal process, and to host activities supporting their integration.
Another €20,000 will go to the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Ireland for their ‘Integrate Day 1 Project’.
This is the second year of the International Protection Integration Fund, which supports chapter 5.2.2 of the commitments within A White Paper to End Direct Provision and Establish a New International Protection Support Service.
“The International Protection Integration Fund is a significant tool to assist civil society organisations with their invaluable work on helping to integrate people who come to Ireland seeking International Protection,” Minister O’Brien said.
“The importance of this work with people who are at a particularly vulnerable time in their lives is crucial and every day we see the positive impact that civil society organisations make in helping to foster diverse and vibrant communities whilst supporting individuals.”
“I am delighted to be able to award funding today to 70 different projects across Ireland for the development of such vital work.’’
Households in Galway City and County will have the opportunity to dispose of their bulky waste for just €5 in a collection starting at the end of the month.
The Bulky Goods collection by the city and county council will take place at the Tuam, Clifden, and Ballinasloe Civic Amenity Sites, along with the Barna Recycling facility on the Headford Road in Galway City.
The collection will run from Monday, July 31 through to Saturday, August 12.
For €5, people can recycle three-piece suites, wardrobes, bedside lockers, mattresses, bed frames, dining tables and chairs.
Galway city and county councils have reminded the public that this service must be booked online via the Barna Recycling website before arriving at any of the sites.
Pre-booking is essential to avail of the €5 gate fee and regular gate and weighbridge fees will be incurred if people arrive at sites without prior online booking of the service.
The service is for householders only, and commercial operators will be turned away.
The local authorities have said that items which will not be accepted include construction and demolition waste, hazardous waste, bags of household waste, toys, trampolines, ceramic and textiles.
Planète Vapeur’s enormous Dragon made its way through the streets of Galway as part of Galway International Arts Festival this weekend.
The Forgotten World directed by Arlo Le Gwern took place on Friday and Saturday evening, dazzling people on the streets of Galway with its spectacle.
Artistic Director and producer Pierre Povigna created Planète Vapeur in 2006. Having studied architecture, Povigna was always passionate about complex mechanisms and giant biomechanical machines.
The 30ft high Dragon was brought to life by an artistic collaboration involving multiple technicians and artists, Gérard Artufel as designer, Françoise Povigna as costumer, anf Arlo Le Gwern as writer and director.
The Dragon travelled from Eyre Square to the Spanish Arch via Shop Street, O’Brien’s Bridge and Dominick St. Lower.
Galway International Arts Festival runs until July 30.
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 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.
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.
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.”
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.”
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