Road closures for roadworks on two busy city centre junctions

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July 4, 2023

galway daily news Izzy Tiernan, Dean Kenny, Raimey O’Boyle and Faye Ní Dhomhnaill (University of Galway Students’ Union) — (Left to Right): Izzy Tiernan, Dean Kenny, Raimey O’Boyle and Faye Ní Dhomhnaill (University of Galway Students’ Union)

Dean Kenny has vowed to defend the rights of students at University of Galway after taking up the role of Students’ Union President.

The Maths and Education Graduate from Belcarra, Co. Mayo was elected by his peers earlier this year and has now taken the reins in the Students’ Union.

Dean follows in the footsteps of President Michael D Higgins who was the University of Galway Students’ Union President back in 1964.

He will be working closely with the other SU Officers including the Vice President/Welfare and Equality Officer Izzy Tiernan, the Vice President/Education Officer Raimey O’Boyle and the Vice President for the Irish Language Faye Ní Dhomhnaill.

Students’ Union President Dean Kenny said that he was delighted to take up the prestigious role representing the students of University of Galway.

“It will be another challenging year as the cost of living and accommodation issues continue to have an impact on students but myself and the other SU Officers will be working hard this year for our members,” he said.

“University of Galway students will need extra support in these testing circumstances to ensure that they have the best possible university experience. We are here for our students and are ready to defend their rights.”

Call to save Mervue bus stop for sake of older residents

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July 4, 2023

Galway Daily news Call to save Mervue bus stop for sake of older residents

Galway TDs have argued for the retention of the bus stop in Mervue, arguing that it is an essential service for older people living in the area.

Speaking in the Daíl, Galway West TD Mairéad Farrell said that a proposal to get rid of the bus is of great concern to the local residents.

The stop could be removed as part of the BusConnects project, which aims to completely redesign public transport in the city.

“It is part of this concept that buses should go through quickly but this bus stop is being used by the elderly community in Mervue, day in, day out, and if people go to Mervue, they will always see it being used.”

“That is an element of concern for me simply because we want more people to use the service. This is something that is already being used so let us not take it away,” Mairéad Farrell said.

Deputy Eamon Ó Cuív spoke in support of the plea, stating that “the demographic has to be taken into account” when considering removing bus stops.

He added that an older demographic cannot be treated the same way as a younger generation when taking bus stops away.

The Fianna Fáil TD also raised concerns about planning permission being refused for housing developments because of a lack of bus services for the area.

Minister of State Jack Chambers said that he would reflect on their feedback on the Mervue bus stop, and take it to the NTA.

“The intention of a network redesign is not to take away transport connectivity from people who have it at present. We will reflect what has been said to the National Transport Authority.”

Public input sought on future of Leisureland on its 50th birthday

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July 4, 2023

Galway Daily news Parking charges being introduced at Leisureland

Public input, starting with young people, is being sought to reimagine the future of Leisureland in Salthill for the coming decades.

Leisureland recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of first opening its doors, and the city council is seeking input on how it can be transformed into a modern, sustainable amenity for the area.

Leisureland and the neighbouring Salthill Park present a once in a lifetime opportunity to provide modern facilities and experiences that can match any destination in the world over 12 acres of space in the heart of Salthill.

The public engagement will commence in local schools with the youth of the city, before expanding to other stakeholder groups including current users of the facilities, local residents, and more.

Galway Mayor Cllr Eddie Hoare stated that, “Leisureland has been an incredible facility for the people of Galway and currently has over 3,000 people a week getting swimming lessons.”

“This engagement process is crucial to ensure it continues to serve the needs and want of the people of Galway and I would encourage everyone to get involved.”

It is expected that Phase 1 of this project, the initial public engagement, will be completed by Q1 of 2024.

The steps in redesigning Leisureland after this would would involve:

Transforming the consultation feedback into possible design proposals
Examination of the commerciality of the designs
Seeking financial partners (Both Private and Public)
Appointment of a design team
Secure planning permissions
Begin phased development

Cllr Donal Lyon, Chairperson of the Leisureland board states, “I really welcome the commencement of the public engagement process for the redevelopment of Leisureland.

“This site has so much potential, and I am looking forward to seeing the feedback that comes in from the public in relation to these plans.”

“I would like to acknowledge the contribution of the present staff under Ian Brennan and the contribution of the various boards members over the years that made Leisureland the success it now is.’

Council approves plans for significant upgrade to Ballinasloe wastewater treatment plant

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July 4, 2023

Galway Daily news €13 million Athenry sewer upgrades

Galway County Council has approved plans for significant upgrade works to Ballinasloe wastewater treatment plant.

The plans by Uisce Eireann for the demolition of the existing inlet works at the WWTP, and their full replacement, is meant to reduce flooding, and improve the quality of water filtration.

Planning permission was granted by the county council with six standard conditions attached, including the full implementation of all measures outlined in the Natura Impact Statement.

Uisce Eireann intend to build new inlet works at the WWTP located to the southeast of town, with a new duty standby fine screens, a screenings handling unit, a vortex grit trap, and a grit classifier.

Reducing flooding is also a goal of these works, which will include building a storm overflow chamber, storm feed pumping station, bypass channel, and installing a storm water holding tank.

A planning report submitted with the application states that there is regular flooding in the grit removal chamber during periods of high rainfall, and that there is currently no storm overflow system at the plant.

“During storm conditions, storm flows also overflow at the Dunloe and Poolbeg pumping stations upstream of the WWTP.”

The new inlet works will help remove solids from the wastewater prior to it entering the treatment area, and the storm water system will reduce the discharge or untreated sewage during times of high rainfall.

Sharp increase in new electric vehicle registrations in Galway

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July 4, 2023

Galway Daily news New electric car registrations in Galway up by 35% this year

New electric car registrations in Galway have increased by more than 50 percent in the first half of this year.

Between January and June of this year, there were 547 new electric vehicle registrations in Galway, up from 359 in the same period in 2022, an increase of 52.37 percent.

There were a total of 3,063 new car registrations in Galway during the first half of 2023, an increase of 8.31 percent compared with 2,828 in the same time last year.

The figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry show that electric Vehicles, plug-in hybrids and hybrids now have a combined market share of 43.63 percent in Ireland.

Petrol remains the largest share at 31.85 percent, Diesel accounting for 21.87 percent, Electric 18.46 percent, Hybrid 17.37 percent and Plug-in Electric Hybrid 7.80 percent.

“The new car market performed strongly in June with registrations 39% ahead of the same month last year,” said Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General.

“While year to date new car registrations are still 4% behind pre-COVID 2019, the gap is closing every month, aided by fulfilment of 2022 orders and improved new vehicle supply.

“June in particular saw a significant boost in electric car sales, with 1,441 registrations during the month, in comparison to 188 units in June 2022.”

“Year to date the EV market has exceeded 14,000 cars, an increase of 69% on last year,” Brian Cooke added.

“It should be highlighted that there still is a significant basket of incentives for EV buyers, including ongoing purchase and home charger grant support, VRT relief for many EVs, as well as low annual road tax.”

“These supports, along with an increasing number of EV models coming to market, should ensure strong new car activity as we enter the 232 registration plate sales period.”

The import of used cars has also increased by 3.81 percent so far this year, up from 24,109 in 2022 to 25,027 this year, though June saw a slight decrease.

Students’ agri-tech platform wins Start100 entrepreneur competition at University of Galway

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July 4, 2023

Students' agri-tech platform wins Start100 entrepreneur competition at University of Galway — Photo: Martina Regan

A group of students with an innovative agri-tech software platform are the winners of an entrepreneurial start-up competition at University of Galway.

LambCam was named the overall winner of the Start100 programme at the university this year, taking home the top prize of €5,000.

Their software platform helps farmers monitor sheep’s behaviour on camera during lambing season.

Glow by Chlo Cosmetics was recognised with the One to Watch award of €1,000, affirming their potential for future success.

The Start100 programme is an intensive six-week programme run out of University of Galway’s IdeasLab – the student innovation hub, open to all disciplines, located at the heart of the campus.

This year, the varied group of student entrepreneurs had ideas ranging from an app designed to improve your rowing capabilities to beauty and skincare products.

The programme culminated in a final showcase event on campus, which saw teams pitch their unique ideas to an expert panel of judges from academia, research, industry, and enterprise in front of an audience of students, mentors, enterprise and University of Galway staff.

Dr Natalie Walsh, Director of Entrepreneurial Development at University of Galway, said, “We are excited to see a surge in interest in entrepreneurship across our campus.”

“The Start100 teams have truly impressed us with their exceptional quality and innovative ideas, serving as a testament to the remarkable success of the programme.”

“We are committed to leveraging our achievements and exploring new collaborative partnerships to maximize opportunities for our student entrepreneurs.”

Start100 connects students into a thriving community of innovators and entrepreneurs across Ireland and culminates in the showcase event, where each team present their ideas.

Teams underwent a transformative entrepreneurial journey, nurturing their ideas with the support of mentors, who helped them to validate their business models and develop networking skills.

Professor Pól Ó Dochartaigh, University of Galway Deputy President and Registrar, said that they were pleased to see their students develop enterprising ideas with the potential to impact society.

“The University, in partnership with our business community, plays a crucial role in nurturing their growth and supporting our people and our planet and we are incredibly proud of our student entrepreneurs.”

Wind turbine blades being delivered through Galway City over the coming months

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July 3, 2023

Galway Daily news Wind turbine blades being delivered through Galway City over the coming months

People out driving late at night in the coming months might see wind turbine blades making their way through Galway City.

An abnormal load permit has been granted for wind turbine blades and sections from Galway Harbour to the M6 City Boundary.

The deliveries, which began this weekend, will take place between 12am – 1am, five days a week, Sunday – Thursday.

Their route will take them from the harbour, up the Lough Atalia Road and R339, before cutting over onto the Tuam Road.

From there the deliveries will turn onto the N6 and follow it until it leads onto the motorway.

Garda Traffic Corps members will be escorting the delivery trucks on the journey through the city.

The wind turbine blades and other sections are destined for the Moanvane Wind Farm project in Co. Offally.

Planning refused for residential development of 49 houses in Athenry

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July 3, 2023

Galway daily news Knocknacarra social housing

Galway County Council has refused planning for a residential development of 49 houses on the outskirts of Athenry.

An application was made by Laurem Construction to build a housing estate in the townlands of Baunmore and Gortnahown, on the south-east edge of Athenry.

The greenfield site for the planned estate is located between the R347 and L3112 roads.

The plans comprised 18 four-bed, semi-detached houses; 10 three-bed, bed semi-detached houses; 13 three-bed, terraced houses; 3 four-bed, detached houses; and 5 two-bed, terraced houses.

The county council refused planning for the housing estate on the grounds the this site is not zoned for development, and that its eastern portion is located in the vicinity of a recorded monument.

The decision also stated that the scale and layout of the houses in the estate, lacking sufficient public and private open space, would constitute and overdevelopment of the site, and set a bad precedent for future development.

Woman taken to hospital after Claregalway crash

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July 3, 2023

A woman was hospitalised following a crash in Claregalway on Monday morning.

Gardaí are investigating a two vehicle which occurred on the N83 in Claregalway at around 9am this morning.

A woman (30s) was taken to University Hospital Galway following the crash.

However, Gardaí have said to Galway Daily that her injuries are believed to be non life-threatening.

Minister celebrates University of Galway’s international partnerships in US visit

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July 3, 2023

Minister celebrates University of Galway's international partnerships in US visit

Minister of State for Skills and Further Education Niall Collins praised the international connections forged by University of Galway during a recent visit to the United States.

The Minister took part in special reception in Washington DC celebrating the university network of partnerships in North America during the annual NAFSA conference.

NAFSA is the largest annual international education conference in the US, which drew close to 10,000 delegates this year.

At the event, Minister Collins spoke about the core values of respect, excellence, openness and sustainability at University of Galway.

“These values are the DNA of University of Galway and form the foundation for students to grow good citizenship, independent critical thinking, and capacity to make positive contributions to both society and economy.”

“Partners of University of Galway are not only securing a quality education for their students, but they are also being exposed to a set of values which are common between our countries.”

University of Galway used the occasion to recognise its closest and most enduring US and international partnerships, as well as a number of new collaborations that it is working with.

The attendance of and contributions by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS) and Education in Ireland were also acknowledged at the NAFSA conference.

Nuala McGuinn, Director of Summer Schools at University of Galway, explained how the University is keen to be responsive to its partners

“We are offering a wide variety of ways of working together, ranging from faculty-led hosting and joint conferences, to semester-long Study Abroad programmes.”

“These are all infused by the core values of University and showcase the distinctive and special place that is our city and region.”

Call for dedicated parking to collect patients being discharged from UHG

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July 3, 2023

Dedicated parking to the rear of University Hospital Galway should be provided for patients being discharged, a city councillor has said.

Councillor Declan McDonnell raised this issue ahead of a recent meeting of the Regional Health Forum.

Councillor McDonnell said that this is something which should be considered for the “safe and smooth” discharge of patients.

In a question submitted ahead of the meeting, the city councillor said that families of patients being discharged are under “severe pressure and stress” trying to get parking.

Access to such dedicated parking could be controlled via an access code provided by the ward the patient is being discharged from, he added.

Tony Canavan, Chief Executive of the Saolta Hospital Group, responded that a review of this proposal will be carried out.

He added that an update will be provided to the forum after further discussions on the issue have taken place.

Galway City road closing for two weeks from today

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July 3, 2023

Cappagh Road in Galway City will be closed for the next two weeks starting from today to allow for infrastructure works to take place.

The road will be closed to through traffic 24/7 outside the new development at Lenabower near the junction with the Western Distributor Road.

The road closure is expected to be in place from Monday, July 3 through to Friday, July 14.

Local access will be maintained at all times either side of the works area.

The road closure is needed to allow water, storm and sewer connections for the new housing development at Lenabower to be carried out safely.

As part of these works full width road excavations are required across both lanes of traffic, along with deep excavations of up to 3.6m required in rock with restrictions on hours while breaking in a residential area.

Other works being carried out will include the installation of two new manholes, and planting works.

Astonishing gravity-defying acrobatics at The Pulse with Galway International Arts Festival

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July 2, 2023

Astonishing gravity-defying acrobatics at The Pulse with Galway International Arts Festival

Dozens of acrobats and performers will dazzle audiences in The Pulse, the largest ever indoor show from Galway International Arts Festival.

Brought to life by Gravity & Other Myths, who astounded audiences in 2019 with daring acrobatic feats in Out of Chaos, this breathtaking show will take place in the spectacular new Festival Theatre at the Kingfisher at the University of Galway.

This purpose built venue is the largest indoor setting ever put together in the history of the arts festival.

The Pulse is a hugely ambitious and monumental work of scale that has wowed critics with five-star reviews at the Adelaide and Edinburgh festivals.

Directed by Darcy Grant and composed by Ekrem Eli Phoenix, it features a company of 60 performers including the 30 strong, all-female Orfeó Catalá Choir.

The mass of acrobats and choir members unite and divide, becoming a spectacular being of muscle, bone and voice as a mountain of bodies move through an ocean of sound. It’s raw, it’s real, it sings, it sweats, it pulsates.

The Pulse will run from July 17 – 22. Each performance starts at 8pm, and lasts for approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, with no interval.

Tickets cost €25 – €37.50, and are available online or at the festival box office. On July 19 there will be post–show talk with the company backstage.

Iconic Galway pub owners announce retirement after 70 years

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July 2, 2023

Iconic Galway pub owners announce retirement after 70 years

The end of an era this weekend as the Richardson’s, owners of the Eyre Square pub of the same name, announced their retirement.

Announcing their retirement in a post on facebook, the long-time publicans thanked everyone who supported them over the years.

“As life will go on, so too, No 1 will be on the corner of Eyre Square. After nearly 70 years as proprietors of this establishment, we The Richardson’s announce our retirement.

“We would like to thank the people who have supported us down the generations – our various suppliers, staff and customers.”

“From all angles you will be forever in our hearts and again, thank you.”

Richardson’s Bar at No. 1 Eyre Square is currently up for sale with O’Donnellan & Joyce auctioneers.

Five week roadworks between Barna and Moycullen commencing Monday

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July 2, 2023

Delays are expected between Barna and Moycullen for the next several weeks due to roadworks commencing on Monday.

Galway County Council is carrying out roadworks on the L1321 Barna – Moycullen road.

The works are commencing on Monday, July 3, and are expected to take approximately five weeks to complete.

In order to facilitate these works, a traffic management system will be in place while they are underway.

Road users are advised to expect delays due to this, and to give themselves additional time for journeys.

Bring out the best in Galway for Culture Night 2023

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July 2, 2023

Bring out the best in Galway for Culture Night 2023

Galway City Council is inviting applications for unique free events for Culture Night 2023 this September.

The 18th edition of Culture Night will take place on Friday 22 September, and will celebrate culture, creativity and the arts.

Doors are opened late and special events are specifically programmed at participating locations.

Thanks to the continued support of the Arts Council and Local Authorities across the island of Ireland, all activities are made available to the public free of charge.

Those who want to take part by hosting an event can get in touch with Galway City Council via arts@galwaycity.ie before July 14, by including the subject line ‘Culture Night 2022’.

Application forms for interested parties are available on the city council website here.

Another EuroMillions Plus win for Ballinasloe!

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July 1, 2023

Galway Daily news €500,000 win for Euromillions player in the west

Ballinasloe has become one of the luckiest towns in the country for lottery players after someone in the town scooped the top EuroMillions Plus prize of €500,000 on Friday night.

The big win comes just seven days after another lucky lottery player won the same EuroMillions Plus prize on 24 June.

The all-important winning ticket was sold at the EuroSpar store in Townparks in Ballinasloe.

Friday night was a bumper night of big prizes for players throughout the country, after the night’s Daily Million and EuroMillions draws paid out life-changing prizes.

A lucky Limerick player scooped the Daily Million top prize of €1 million in the 9pm draw on Friday, becoming the 18th National Lottery millionaire of 2023.

The winning numbers for Friday’s (30th June) 9pm draw were: 01, 07, 15, 24, 33, 39 and the bonus was 08.

The winning numbers in the EuroMillions Plus draw were: 06, 12, 37, 47, 50.

While there was no winner of Friday night’s EuroMillions jackpot worth over €39 million – another player in Ireland won big after they matched five numbers in the draw to win €26,402.

The winning ticket was sold at the AppleGreen & Gala store in Boyle, Co. Roscommon.

Next Tuesday night’s EuroMillions jackpot is heading for an estimated €50 million.

Players throughout Ireland are urged to check their tickets to see if they are one of the big winners in any of last night’s draws.

They should make contact with the National Lottery prize claims team on 1800 666 222 or email claims@lottery.ie to claim their prize.

Online register needed for paid external work by RTÉ staff says Cannon

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July 1, 2023

Galway Daily business Ryan Tubridy headlinging virtual Galway business event

All paid for external work events undertaken by RTÉ staff should be published on an online register, a local Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy Ciarán Cannon said the public must be provided with all information regarding RTE’s on air talent who receive paid appearances for work and events which are not part of their role with the national broadcaster.

The Galway East TD said ‘impartiality has to overcome all concerns’.

He said that recent revelations about the payments made to Ryan Tubridy from a car manufacturer must ‘surely give us pause for thought’ on how damaging these arrangements are.

“If a broadcaster is receiving payments from any corporate entity, then the public deserves to know, so that we can determine for ourselves whether that broadcaster can be trusted to be impartial when speaking on particular matters,” said the local TD.

“I’m concerned that when these payments are made, impartiality suffers, and the public are kept in the dark.”

Deputy Cannon said that the board and executive of RTÉ have a major job on their hands in restoring trust in our national broadcaster.

“I believe that a key element of that work should be the establishment of a register of external payments, similar to that established by the BBC,” he said.

“There is no issue with anyone being paid for such events, but the viewing public needs to be made aware of relationships between broadcasters and private corporations.

“It is because of their high profile afforded by their roles and work within RTÉ that the on-air talent is offered external work. There is nothing wrong with these opportunities being afforded to them once it is transparent to the public what they have undertaken.

“This register should be a key element of restoring trust in RTÉ and it could be created within a week. Such a register will help to ensure impartiality.”

Local ghost restaurant Bangin Food Group sold for six figure sum

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July 1, 2023