Visiting restrictions at UHG as ward affected by vomiting bug

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April 13, 2023

Galway Daily news Children wait 15 months for eye care in Galway

Galway TD and Minister of State for Disabilities Anne Rabbitte has announced details of two new specialist support programmes that will be directly targeted at children with visual and hearing impairments.

The new programmes follow the €700,000 announced by Minister Rabbitte, and they will be rolled out by ChildVision – the National Education Centre for Blind Children – and Chime – the National Charity for Deafness and Hearing Loss.

The ChildVision programme will provide training and support to Children’s Disability Network Teams (CDNTs) nationally, with ChildVision’s clinical team engaging with each of the 91 CDNTs over an eight-month period.

The programme will also provide an extended National Assessment Service to include holistic and specialized intervention along with outreach services.

ChildVision aims to create key ‘visionaries’ within each of the CDNTs, who will be responsible for encouraging and promoting visual information (VI) skills within the CDNT.

The Chime programme will see the development of a Specialist Multi-Disciplinary Team to support children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. Specialist supports will take the form of both direct and indirect/universal services.

Confirming the launch of the two new specialist support programmes, the Galway East TD and Minister of State for Disabilities said she looks forward to seeing the positive impacts that the programmes will have.

“The funding that I have secured will ensure that both organisations can have a real impact on the lives of children with disabilities and their families,” said Minister Rabbitte.

“ChildVision’s campus is dedicated to the education, therapeutic intervention and term-time living needs of low vision, blind, children and young people, and I welcome their involvement in this initiative in collaboration with the HSE.

“I also welcome their proposed satellite centre in Oranmore in Galway that is expected to be operational by 2026, and will be of great benefit to children with disabilities throughout the west of Ireland.”

Minister Rabbitte said the involvement of Chime is equally important, given their experience over the last six decades in assisting and supporting individuals with deafness and hearing loss.

“As we implement the Progressing Disability Services plan, I look forward to seeing the impact that Chime will have on children with hearing impairments, and the supports that they will provide for our Children’s Disability Network Teams nationwide.”

Local filmmaker bags top award for film about Galway rock band

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April 13, 2023

galway daily news young filmmaker of the year jamie costello galway — Jamie Costello with his award at the 2023 Ireland's Young FIlmmaker of the Year. Pic. Brian Arthur

Galway filmmaker Jamie Costello was announced as the winner of one of the major categories at the Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year awards last night.

The young director took home the RTÉ Factual Award at the for his documentary Buzz, which focused on upcoming local indie rock band Bees & Sawdust.

The short documentary takes an intimate look into the band’s inner chemistry, how they came together and how their music affects the people of Galway.

Seventeen-year-old Dublin student Max Hendrickson was named the overall Young Filmmaker of the Year 2023 for his short animated film The Tell-Tale Heart, a re-telling of Edgar Allan Poe’s famous short story.

Hailing from Cabra, Max is no stranger to the awards having entered the globally renowned international event annually since the age of 12, scooping the Outstanding Animation award at Ireland’s Junior Filmmaker of the Year in 2018.

Speaking of Max’s film, Fresh International Film Festival Director Jayne Foley said: “We have watched Max Hendrickson grow as a filmmaker and storyteller over the last five years, honing his skills, exploring new formats of the art form and bringing stories to life through animation.

“Fresh Film looks forward to seeing Max’s personal journey in film unfold in the coming years and we have no doubt that he will feature strongly in Ireland’s exciting animation and filmmaking industries.

“All 34 nominees this year produced outstanding work, the level of creativity, imagination and skill is inspiring, and we are immensely proud to continue to nurture, mentor and showcase Ireland’s future filmmaking talent with the support of so many generous partners.”

Hendrickson was one of thirteen award recipients at the 2023 IYFTYs, which were broadcast on RTÉ2 on April 12, hosted by Stephen Byrne and Gemma Bradley.

All 34 shortlisted films, made by young people, for young people, can be seen on the Fresh International Film Festival YouTube Channel.

Second place went to 16-year-old Glen Bowler from Kerry for his film The Legend of Patrick Greenwood, while third place went to 15 and 16-year-old cousins Ella and Caoimhe McGuigan from Dublin for their film Sticky Note.

Seventeen-year-old Dubliner Eve Duffy won Best Performance for her role in Shell which she also wrote and directed.

Eighteen-year-old Kerryman Malachaí Ó Ciardhubháin won Best Screenplay for his Irish language short Nellie, while 15-year-old Limerick Director Izzy Dalton and Emerging Limerick Filmmakers were awarded the prize for Best Group for their film Killer Krush.

Avondale Community College students from Wicklow had a double success on the night winning Best School with director Maria Nogales Cid’s short Vivamus, Moriendum Est, while Killian Foley was awarded the RTÉ 60 Second Award for his short form work A New Terrain.

Alanna C. Cusack (15) from Cavan took home the award for Best Director for her short film Reprisal and 18-year-old Dubliner Luka Magot was awarded Best Art Direction for his short Doomed Choice.

The Best Animation award went to Westmeath’s Tristan Seery for Friends Forever, Rhianna Woods from Leitrim won the Radharc Trust Award for her short I’ll Know and young Galway director Jamie Costello won the RTÉ Factual Award for his music documentary Buzz.

Presented annually by Fresh International Film Festival, RTÉ and Screen Ireland, the IYFTYs celebrate the filmmaking work of young people aged 7 to 18 years.

They reflect both the unique stories and shared experiences of global youth. This year, Fresh International Film Festival, generously supported by the Arts Council and many other partners and sponsors, welcomed more than a thousand short film submissions.

38th Cúirt International Festival of Literature opens next week

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April 13, 2023

galway daily news cúirt literature festival launch with manuela moser — Manuela Moser, Festival Director Cúirt at the launch of the 38th Cúirt International Festival of Literature with readings, discussions and performances with world renowned author and best emerging talent which will run in Galway from the 18 to the 23rd of April 2023. Photo:Andrew Downes, Xposure

The 38th Cúirt International Festival of Literature is just around the corner and the programme is jam-packed with Irish and international authors.

Sebastian Barry, award-winning author and former Laureate for Irish Fiction, will join acclaimed Irish writer Clare-Louise Bennett in the Town Hall Theatre on Saturday 22 April at 8pm to bring his latest novel Old God’s Time to Galway.

Born in Dublin in 1955, Sebastian’s Barry’s novels and plays have won numerous awards, including the Kerry Group Irish Fiction Prize, Costa Book of the Year award, Irish Book Awards Best Novel.

Two consecutive novels, A Long Long Way (2005) and The Secret Scripture (2008), were shortlisted for the MAN Booker Prize. His novel Days Without End (2016) won the Costa Book of the Year Award and The Walter Scott Prize, and was longlisted for the Booker Prize.

Anne Enright, one of Ireland’s most prolific and celebrated writers, and the inaugural Laureate for Irish Fiction, will join Louise Kennedy and Glenn Patterson on stage for the finale of Cúirt International Festival of Literature, on Sunday 23 April at 7pm.

Anne Enright’s novel The Gathering (2007) won the Man Booker Prize and The Green Road (2015) won the Bord Gáis Energy Novel of the Year Award.

In 2018 she received the Irish PEN Award for Outstanding Contribution to Irish Literature and her latest novel, Actress (2020) was shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2020. Her work has been translated into almost 40 languages.

Louise Kennedy’s debut novel Tresspasses won the An Post Novel of the Year in 2022.

On Friday evening at 8.30pm multi-award winning author Max Porter, author of Grief is a Thing with Feathers, will be joined in conversation by Sinéad Gleeson, where they will discuss his new book Shy. Max Porter will also perform a dramatic interpretation from the novel.

American author Carmen Maria Machado, will discuss her body of work with Sinéad Gleeson on Thursday 20th April at 8:30pm in An Taidhbhearc.

Her work has been awarded many prizes, including the Folio Prize, the Lambda Literary Award for Lesbian Fiction and been shortlisted for the National Book Award.

Machado writes beautifully about contemporary horrors, touching on queer and feminist issues with a revolutionary, eclectic style that has made her one of the most influential writers in today’s literary scene.

Carmen Maria Machado is the author of the acclaimed short story collection Her Body and Other Parties (Graywolf Press, 2017) and the bestselling memoir In the Dream House (Graywolf Press, 2019).

She has been a finalist for the National Book Award and the winner of numerous prizes, such as the Bard Fiction Prize, the Lambda Literary Award for Lesbian Fiction, the Lambda Literary Award for LGBTQ Nonfiction and the Shirley Jackson Award, among others.

Her essays, fiction, and criticism have appeared in numerous publications, including the New Yorker, The New York Times, Granta and Vogue.

Award-winning and celebrated Irish writers Donal Ryan and Wendy Erskine will be in conversation with Edel Coffey on Saturday afternoon at 4pm in the Town Hall Theatre.

Manchán Magan will be taking part in two events during the festival. On Friday 20th at 5:30pm he will be discussing memoir and nature with Séan Hewitt and Amanda Thomson, and on Saturday afternoon at 1pm he will be joined by Eoghan Daltun and Emma Must for A Changing Climate: Writing, Activism and the Environment.

Emer McLysaght, author of the Aisling series of novels, will be joining Caroline O’Donaghue for a live episode of the hit podcast Sentimental Garbage on Sunday 23 April at 4pm in the Town Hall Theatre, where they’ll be talking about novels, films, and all sorts of popular culture.

Cúirt International Festival of Literature would like to acknowledge the support of its principal funders the Arts Council, Galway City Council and Galway County Council.

The festival takes place in Galway from Tuesday 18 – Sunday 23 April, 2023. Some events are sold out, so advanced booking is advised at http://www.cuirt.ie or through the Town Hall Theatre on 091 569 777.

Exploring the Fascinating History of the Irish Grand National

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Thomas O'Brien

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April 13, 2023

Since its inception in 1870, the Irish Grand National has become one of Ireland’s most popular and iconic horse races. The race is held annually at Fairyhouse Racecourse, located just outside Dublin. It attracts thousands of spectators eager to enjoy an exciting day with friends and family. Many would agree that if you were betting on the race it would be a good idea to have some specific expert advice on good Irish grand national 2023 odds, as it would add to the thrill of enjoying the racing event. Furthermore, every year, the event draws some of the best thoroughbreds worldwide and riders from all corners of Ireland. As such, it’s no surprise that this race has come to be known as “The Greatest Show on Turf.”

A history of legends

The history of this captivating event dates back over 150 years, when it first began as a two-day meeting at nearby Curragh Racecourse in County Kildare. It was moved to Fairyhouse in 1877 and has been held every Easter Monday since then. Over time, many legends have graced its turf, including famous jockeys such as Pat Taaffe and Vincent O’Brien, who have both won multiple Grand Nationals. In more recent times, Ruby Walsh became only the second person ever to win three consecutive Irish Grand Nationals in 2008-2010 aboard Character Building, Butler’s Cabin and Whatuthink respectively.

Famous horses that have won the race

Some of the most incredible horses have recently won the Irish Grand National. In 2019, Tiger Roll became the first horse to win back-to-back Irish Grand Nationals since Red Rum did so in 1974. Tiger Roll was ridden by jockey Davy Russell and trained by Gordon Elliott. In 2018, General Principle won the race with jockey Derek Fox aboard and trainer Gordon Elliott at the helm. The 2017 winner was Our Duke, who was ridden by Robbie Power and trained by Jessica Harrington. In 2016, Rule The World won with jockey David Mullins riding for trainer Mouse Morris. All these horses have made history in their own right and will forever be remembered for their incredible achievements at the Irish Grand National.

A look at Ireland’s most prestigious racetracks

The Irish Grand National is held annually at one of Ireland’s several world-famous racetracks. The Fairyhouse Racetrack has been in operation since 1848, making it one of the oldest and most frequented tracks in all of Ireland. It is in the rolling countryside not far from Dublin and plays home to several events each year, including the Irish Grand National. The Punchestown Racecourse is another well-liked venue, and it has been the site of some of Ireland’s most important horse races ever since it opened in 1868. It has many racing courses and is situated near Naas in County Kildare. Another famous track that often plays home to major events like the Irish Grand National is Leopardstown Racecourse. There is a fantastic view of Dublin Bay from the grandstands, and it’s just a short distance from the heart of Dublin.

The use of technology in boosting race viewership

The Irish Grand National has seen a technological revolution in how spectators experience it. Now that streaming options exist, spectators from anywhere with an internet connection may watch races live. This development frees spectators from needing to physically attend a racetrack to experience the thrills and spills. Furthermore, fans may experience the race as if they were there because of the many extras streaming services offer, including live commentary, replays and even virtual reality. Additionally, spectators may communicate in real-time and offer their perspectives on the race through social media channels. Because of these developments, more people from more places may follow and enjoy this historic event.

In conclusion, many horses, riders, trainers and owners have contributed to the Irish Grand National’s long and colourful history, and fans of horse racing all across the globe continue to be fascinated by this event.

Road closures and diversions planned for Joe Biden’s visit to Mayo

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April 12, 2023

There will be a number of road closures and traffic restrictions in parts of Co. Mayo for the visit of US President Joe Biden on Friday.

Biden will arrive at Knock Airport on Friday afternoon, and while the airport will operate as usual, travellers are advised to allow for additional time to arrive due to road closures.

Traffic Management measures are planned from around 12.30pm to 3pm on the N17 between Charlestown and Claremorris.

Gardaí have advised road users that diversions will be in place during any traffic restrictions.

From approximately 1.30pm to 3.30pm temporary traffic restrictions may occur on the N5 between Charlestown and Castlebar.

From approximately 12 noon to 5.00pm roads will be restricted in Castlebar, while access to Ballina will be restricted to local residents and business workers only from 10am on Friday.

The N59 through Ballina will be closed to traffic for the duration of the event. Traffic intending on travelling through Ballina on the N59 should divert via N26/ N5/ N17 Foxford, Swinford, Charlestown, Tobercurry, Sligo.

The event in Ballina is a public event beginning after 6pm. Registration for public attendance at the event must be done through the US Mission Ireland website’s homepage.

Travel to the public event by shuttle bus is the recommended option, logistics details are published on the U.S Mission Ireland website.

Biden will leave Mayo from Ireland West Airport to Dublin Airport late on Friday evening.

Kerrane welcomes launch of new Irish Grown Wool Council

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April 12, 2023

Galway daily news sheep killed in serious animal attacks

Roscommon-Galway TD Claire Kerrane has welcomed the launch of the new Irish Grown Wool Council (IGWC), following a meeting of stakeholders from the wool and sheep sector.

The all-island council will look to improve the quality of Irish-farmed wool and facilitate collaboration in product and market research.

Deputy Kerrane said its launch is a “positive step forward for the sector” and implements one of the key recommendations of the Wool Feasibility Study published last year.

She said there is huge potential for Irish farmed wool as an indigenous industry, and the establishment of the council is a key part of realising that potential.

“Individuals and organisations involved in the wool and sheep sector have long called for action in this area and the establishment of the council is a good first step,” the Sinn Féin TD said.

“Wool has many uses and there is the potential here to develop it domestically and internationally.

“We know that Irish wool has been undervalued. The launch of the IGWC will see research, innovation, and technical expertise to support the development of wool as a key industry across the island.”

Deputy Kerrane said the establishment of the council presents the opportunity to set the tone for ensuring a fair return for sheep farmers on their wool and produce.

“It is crucial that we now also see the introduction of greater supports for the wool and sheep sector, and this is something I will be holding the government to account on.”

Mercy College students learn the importance of forests

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April 12, 2023

galway daily news mercy college with coillte

Mercy College in Woodford joined together with Coillte to take part in the Business Action on Education initiative, coordinated by Business in the Community (BITCI).

Coillte introduced the school’s second-year students to the diverse roles within the semi-state forestry company and the forestry sector.

During a recent site visit, pupils saw the tree harvesting process first-hand at Toorleitra Farrans Forest and learned about sustainable forest management, including harvesting and replanting.

This was followed by a visit to Portumna Forest Park, where Coillte staff gave the students an insight into the various roles across Coillte.

Throughout their time at both sites, the students learned about the multiple benefits of forests for climate, nature, wood, people and their local community.

To mark the partnership the students have planted ten oak trees in an area of Portunma Forest Park, planting a seed that forestry might be a good future career choice for them in their community.

Angela Ryan, Teacher at Mercy College, said they saw this to be a new and exciting innovation for our students to complement their education.

“The programme provided them with an opportunity to learn transferable skills.

“It also promoted the idea of sustainability on a practical level. Overall, it created a great sense of community, which we feel strongly about in our school. We look forward to our next chapter in our relationship with Coillte.”

Commenting on her experience of the programme, second year student at Mercy College, Lea Hackett said: “I loved doing the Coillte programme. I really enjoyed spending time outside.

“Nowadays, we tend to spend a lot of our time inside, working with technology and books but we seldom get the opportunity to really appreciate the natural world around us. The Coillte team were very nice.

“I enjoyed doing the workshops because while being educational, they were also fun and interesting. The programme opened my eyes about the various roles involved in an organisation like Coillte. Overall, I really enjoyed the whole experience and I’m glad that Coillte has chosen to get schools involved like this.”

29th Croí Corrib Charity Cycle opens for registration

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April 12, 2023

galway daily news croí charity cycle launch 2023 — Pictured at the official launch of the 29th Croí Corrib Cycle, taking place in Galway on Sunday 18th June are: Bernard Murphy, Sales & Delivery, Corrib Oil with Mark O’Donnell, Head of Foundation and Chief Operations Officer, Croí.

Heart and stroke charity Croí has announced today that registration is now open for the 2023 Croí Corrib Charity Cycle in Galway City on Sunday, 18 June.

The starting point for the cycle will be Dangan Sports Pavilion in Galway City this year and it will finish at Croí Heart & Stroke Centre in Newcastle.

By registering, participants will help support Croí in the fight against heart disease and stroke, with all funds going directly to supporting Croí services.

The charity thanked the event’s primary sponsor, Corrib Oil, which has supported the cycle since the very first fundraiser in 1995.

Cyclists will have two scenic routes to choose from, which will suit all abilities.

The 107km route departs from Dangan Sports Facility Carpark (adjacent to University of Galway), via Moycullen, Spiddal, Rossaveal, Maam Cross, Oughterard, Moycullen, and finishes back in Croí House, Newcastle in Galway City.

The 47km route departs from Dangan Sports Facility Carpark, via Moycullen, Oughterard, back through Moycullen, and finishes at Croí House, Newcastle, Galway City.

Christine Flanagan, Director of Fundraising at Croí, said that they are delighted to bring the cycle back home to Galway City.

“We appreciate the loyalty shown by the cyclists who return year-after-year to take part in aid of Croí – this cycle is synonymous with Croí and one of our longest running events.

“All funds raised are vitally important to us to ensure that we can continue our work at Croí and will help us to keep delivering our lifesaving programmes and continue the fight against heart disease and stroke.”

The registration fee is €55, and all participants will receive a special souvenir T-shirt, as well as full route support, mechanical support, food throughout the day, including a post-event burger and party at the finish point at Croí Heart & Stroke Centre in Newcastle.

Registrants who raise an additional €50 or more will receive a limited edition Croí Corrib Charity Cycle jersey and will be in with a chance to win a bike worth over €1,000, courtesy of Westside Cycles.

Register today www.croi.ie

Funeral for Galway teenager Kirsty Bohan this week

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April 12, 2023

Galway Daily news Memorial service Portiuncula Hospital

Funeral details have been announced for Kirsty Bohan, one of two teenagers from Headford who tragically lost their lives on the road this week.

Kirsty Bohan and Lukas Joyce, both 14 years old, lost their lives in a single vehicle traffic collision near Headford on Monday morning.

The notice on RIP.ie states that Kirsty is sorely missed by her, “parents Christy and Theresa, her sisters Martha and Ava, her nana Peggy, Godparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives and a wide circle of friends and school mates.”

Kirsty will be reposing at Ryders Funeral Home in Headford this Thursday, April 13 from 4pm to 7pm.

The removal from her home will take place on Friday morning before her funeral mass at 12pm at the Church of St Patrick and Cuana (Corner Chapel), with burial afterwards in Donaghpatrick Cemetery.

The funeral mass will be livestreamed at: https://www.churchtv.ie/corner-chapel/

Funeral details for Lukas Joyce have not yet been announced.

Hiring spree of RSA driving testers to tackle backlog

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April 12, 2023

Galway Daily news Hiring spree of RSA driving tester to tackle backlog

The government has given the go ahead for the hiring of 75 new driving testers in order to tackle the massive backlog of driving tests nationwide.

The new hires will bring the total number of testers employed by the RSA up to over 200, and are currently expected to be in place by October of this year.

The RSA then expects to have the backlog in tests brought back to target customer service levels by the end of the first quarter of 2024.

Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan said, “These additional testers will enable the RSA to begin reversing the growing backlog.”

“It is important to recognise that there are no quick fixes or easy solutions, but my department will continue to keep the situation under review.”‘

In 2022 the number of applications for driving tests was 21% higher than in the previous year, and 27% higher than pre-pandemic numbers in 2018.

The current demand for driving tests has a number of contributory factors, including: an increase in application volumes, with more learners applying for and becoming eligible to take their driving test since the start of 2022.

There are also more people taking the Driver Theory Test, and an increase in Advanced Driving Instructors’ and their capacity to deliver lessons to learner drivers.

Sam Waide, CEO of the Road Safety Authority said, “I welcome this decision by the Ministers and would like to thank my colleagues for their support and dedication over this challenging period.”

“Our team have worked very hard to support applicants during this busy time. We look forward to working with these new staff to bring our Driver Testing service to normal levels.”

The open recruitment campaign went live on Tuesday. Once the recruitment process is complete, training will commence with successful candidates and new driver testers will begin testing in October.

Plans submitted for housing estate in central Oranmore

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April 12, 2023

Plans submitted for housing estate in central Oranmore

Planning permission is being sought from the county council for a residential development of 39 houses and apartments in Oranmore.

The application by MCL Prime Developments is to build a housing estate on an infill site on the Bog Road within Oranmore.

The site is bounded by the Frenchpark estate to the northeast, Oranvale housing development to the southeast, and fronts onto the Bog Road to the southwest.

The housing would comprise 32 apartments within three duplex blocks, each three storeys in height, with 16 one-bed units on the ground flood, and 16 two-bed units on the upper floors.

It would also contain 3 two-bed, terraced houses; 2 three-bed, semi-detached houses; and 2 three-bed, detached houses.

The development will also involve creating a vehicle access point onto the Bog Road, and a landscaped communal greenspace along the northern edge of the site.

Galway County Council is due to make a decision on this planning application by April 24 of this year.

Weather warning for extremely rough winds in effect today

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April 12, 2023

Galway Daily weather Weather warning for extremely rough winds in effect today

A Status Yellow weather warning for heavy winds and likely wave overtopping along the coast is in place for Galway this morning.

Met Eireann has warned of gusts of up to 100km/h in Galway, likely higher in coastal areas and high ground.

The heavy winds also come with the likelihood of waves overtopping in coastal areas.

This Wind Warning for Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Galway will be in effect until 3pm today.

The west coast off Galway is also under a Status Orange Marine Warning, with storm force winds expected off the coast this morning.

The RNLI has warned people to be extremely careful if doing anything in coastal areas today, especially along exposed cliffs, seafronts and piers.

Cork remains under a Status Orange Weather Warning this morning, with winds expected to be extremely stormy for a time this morning, with gusts exceeding 110km/h at times.

Connacht announce signing of Ireland Sevens’ Liam McNamara

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April 11, 2023

Galway Daily sport Connacht squad named for Edinburgh trip — photo credit: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy

Connacht Rugby have announced the signing of Australian born Liam McNamara for the 2023/24 season.

Born in Australia, but Ireland-qualified, the 26 year old is currently member of the Ireland Sevens squad, where he more recently featured in the World Rugby Singapore Sevens last week.

Previously, he spent three years on the Australia Sevens squad, where he was coached by Connacht’s Andy Friend.

McNamara was also previously capped for Australia U20s in the XVs game and was a member of the Queensland Reds squad for the 2018/19 Super Rugby campaign.

He said that he is looking forward to be joining the squad at the Sportsground for the next season.

“I’ve loved my time in playing for the Ireland Sevens, so to now play XVs rugby in the URC is a brilliant opportunity for me.”

“I know many Aussie born players have made an impression when joining the club and I hope to make a similar impact.”

Head Coach Pete Wilkins said that they’ve been tracking Liam’s development in recent years, and been impressed by what they’ve seen.

“He is a player who has experience across almost every position in the backline, from the back three, to midfield and fly-half, so provides us with multiple options and helps to further build our depth for next season.”

“In that regard Liam is the perfect addition to our squad and we’re excited to welcome him to Connacht Rugby.”

Galway site chosen for €8.5 million rewilding project

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April 11, 2023

Galway Daily news Galway site chosen for €8.5 million rewilding project

Galway has been chosen as one of eight European sites for the new €8.5 million ‘wildE’ rewilding project.

Funded by Horizon Europe, this scheme is to develop climate-smart rewilding as a nature-based solution to the twin threats of climate change and biodiversity loss in eight sites across Europe.

In Ireland, the wildE initiative will take place on lands in the Connemara Bog Complex of Galway, which covers a total of 49,000 hectares.

This project will cover two main areas of degraded blanket bog of 155ha and 62ha each, private land within Ireland’s largest wind farm, the Galway Wind Park (GWP).

The Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics is a wildE research partner and will provide advanced data analytics techniques to support the project.

Their restoration will improve the nationally important wintering area of the Greenland white fronted goose and increase the connectivity of the natural areas within the surrounding region.

Rewilding is an approach to landscape management with an emphasis on allowing ecosystems to evolve with little to no human intervention.

Until now the approach has mostly been limited to local conservation initiatives without a systematic approach or broader consideration.

Climate-smart rewilding as developed by wildE aims to overcome these barriers by taking a more holistic approach that considers climatic, economic and societal challenges.

Project lead Niall Ó’Brolcháin of the Insight Centre, a partner in the project, said, that they will be working with University of Galway to, “Examine ways to improve biodiversity and reduce carbon loss at Ireland’s largest wind farm the Galway Wind Park over the next four years.”

“Based on ecological data collected during the project the Insight SFI Research Centre will use advanced data analytics techniques to build evidence-based policy recommendations for EU and national policies.”

RNLI urges public to stay safe ahead of rough weather

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April 11, 2023

rnli_urge_public_to_stay_safe_ahead_of_yellow_weather_warning — RNLI Lifeboat. Photo: RNLI/Stephen Duncombe

The RNLI is warning people to stay safe near the coastline ahead of rough weather expected in Galway tomorrow.

A status yellow wind warning has been issued for Galway and other Atlantic coastal counties, which will be in effect from 1am to 5pm on Wednesday.

During this time gusts of up to 110km/h are expected, Met Eireann has said, even stronger in coastal areas, and with wave overtopping likely.

The RNLI, is encouraging people to exercise extreme caution if visiting the shoreline, especially along exposed cliffs, seafronts and piers.

RNLI Water Safety Manager, Ross Macleod said, “This rough weather could make visiting our coasts around the UK and Ireland treacherous and bring very dangerous sea conditions.”

“Sadly, around 150 people accidentally lose their lives around UK and Irish waters each year and over half of these people didn’t plan on ever entering the water.”

“Slips, trips and falls can be a major factor in these kinds of incidents,” Ross Macleod said.

He added that while people may want to try and experience some extreme weather on the coast, the RNLI would strongly advise against doing so.

“It is not worth risking your life, so we strongly urge people to respect the water and watch from a safe distance.”

A Status Orange Marine Warning for winds reaching up to Storm Force 10 on the Atlantic Coast will also be in place on Wednesday.

Multiple other Status Yellow weather warnings have been issued for different areas of Ireland today and tomorrow.

Portiuncula Hospital celebrating 80 years of caring for the community

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April 11, 2023

Galway Daily news Portiuncula Hospital reports high flu circulation

Portiuncula University Hospital is celebrating 80 years of providing healthcare for the people of Ballinasloe and beyond this year.

As part of this celebration, the hospital will be holding a special mass on Thursday, April 20 at the Gullanes Hotel in Ballinasloe.

“We are delighted to be celebrating this momentous milestone,” said James Keane, Hospital Manager.

”Portiuncula University Hospital has been an integral part of the local community and has served multiple generations of families right across the county and surrounding areas.”

The mass is being held to celebrate the foundation of the hospital, and the contributions of the Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood (FMDM), along with all staff past and present, who have served the community there.

“We would like to extend a special invitation to all of our staff, past and present, our patients, and anyone who has been a part of this journey, to come and celebrate with us, 80 years of Portiuncula University Hospital.”

Due to limited space at the venue, please confirm attendance by contacting PUH80@hse.ie by 5pm on Monday, April 17.

Portiuncula Hospital

Portiuncula University Hospital is a Model 3 hospital in the Saolta Group, providing acute surgery, acute medicine and critical care along with Emergency Department and maternity services.

The Ballinasloe hospital serves a catchment area covering east Galway, Roscommon, Offaly, North Tipperary, and Westmeath.

The first foundation stone for Portiuncula was laid in October of 1943 by the Franciscan Missionaries, who had opened a nursing home at Mount Pleasant earlier that year.

The sisters were invited to found a hospital by Bishop Dignan, who gifted them a plot of land at Brackernagh.

Portiuncula Hospital, which took its name from the birthplace of the Franciscan movement in central Italy, first opened to patients in February 1945, and has expanded on many occasions since then.

The latest upgrade coming to the hospital is a new 50 bed ward block, which is currently under construction.

When completed the hospital extension will deliver a two-storey, 4,038sqm ward building with 50 beds, and a link corridor to the existing hospital.

No joy for Clifden Playschool plans despite strong local support

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April 11, 2023

Galway daily news No joy for Clifden Playschool plans despite strong local support

Planning permission has been refused for the construction of a new playschool in Clifden, despite strong public support.

Clifden Community Play-School sought approval for a childcare facility on the grounds of Scoil Mhuire in Clifden.

The project received huge support from the local community, with 13 letters of support received from local community organisations, businesses, and residents groups.

The Racecourse Lawns Residents Association said that over half of their homeowners are families with school aged children who would benefit from this development.

“The proposed plans for the new community playschool offer an exciting and much needed opportunity to provide a modern early years childcare facility plus wrap around services for school aged children in Clifden and surrounding areas.”

The Board of Management of Scoil Mhuire said that the school “fully supports” the application by the Community Playschool to move onto their grounds.

Forum Connemara, a local development company aimed at tackling rural decline, wrote that they “wholeheartedly endorse” the planning application.

“This project will allow Clifden Community Playschool to broaden their support services to families with small children by facilitating parents in their working lives and giving access to Early Years Education for their students.”

Letters of support were also received from the Archdiocese of Tuam, Connemara Chamber of Commerce, Galway Childcare Committee, and more.

In refusing planning permission, the county council said that the development would contravene the Open Space Recreation and Amenity zoning of the site.

The decision also said that there were “serious concerns” about the provision of car parking, and drop-off arrangements for the proposed playschool.

Without information on these arrangements, the council said that they could potentially “intensify the existing car-parking arrangement” with the school, and interfere with the free flow of traffic.

Biden to arrive in Belfast tonight ahead of trip to Mayo on Friday

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April 11, 2023

galway daily galway joe biden usa politics marty walsh

US President Joe Biden will touch down in Belfast this evening for his four-day visit to Ireland which includes a trip to his ancestral homeland Mayo on Friday.

President Biden’s visit will primarily be concentrated in Co. Louth on Wednesday from late afternoon into the late evening, before he heads south for his visit to Dublin on Thursday.

Biden will head then travel West, staying in Mayo from early on Friday afternoon until late in the late evening.

The 46th US President will arrive and depart at Dublin Airport at various times over the course of the visit.

Gardaí say normal operations will continue at the airport at all times, however people travelling should allow additional time to arrive at the airport due to possible rolling road closures, particularly on Wednesday evening and early on Friday.

He will depart at Ireland West Airport, on the afternoon and evening of Friday 14th April 2023.

Normal operations will also continue at Knock Airport, there may be rolling road closures.

In general, traffic restrictions for the visit will be kept to the minimum required and it is intended that any impact on the public will be localised and minimal.

Galway Theatre Festival 2023 embarks on exciting partnership with Town Hall Theatre

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April 11, 2023