Gala event celebrating iconic Galway businesswoman

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March 22, 2023

Hate crimes and other hate related incidents increased in Galway last year according to newly released Garda figures.

There were a total of 22 hate crime and non-criminal hate related incidents reported in the Galway Garda Division last year, up from 17 in 2021.

There were no serious assaults motivated by hate in Galway among these figures, but the statistics do include incidents of murder threats, minor assaults, criminal damage, menacing calls, and public order offences.

A specific breakdown of how many of each of these offences occurred in Galway was not made available.

Half of the offences in Galway motivated by racism, but hate crimes were also reported based on age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, nationality, or ethnicity.

Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman, whose remit includes the Garda National Diversity and Integration Unit, welcomed the publication of the 2022 statistics.

“An Garda Síochána continues to have a strong focus on investigating crimes with a hate motive and supporting the victims of these crimes.”

“An Garda Síochána recognises that hate crimes have a huge impact on victims, specifically because they are targeted because of a characteristic of who they are. These crimes also have a significant impact on wider communities and society”.

Hate crimes and non-criminal hate related incidents rose by 29% as a whole nationwide last year.

There were 582 incidents recorded in 2022, comprising 510 hate crimes and 72 hate related non-criminal incidents. This is up from 448 hate crimes and 59 non-criminal incidents the previous year.

The most prevalent discriminatory motive was race (32%), followed by Sexual Orientation (22%) and Nationality (21%).

Hate motives were evident in a range of incidents in 2022, the largest percentage being Public Order (30%), Minor Assaults (20%), Assault causing Harm (9%) and Criminal Damage (8%).

The largest proportion of hate related incidents (47%) reported in 2022 occurred in the Dublin Metropolitan Region.

Across the other three operational regions there are quite similar proportions of incidents evident – Southern Region (15%), North-Western Region (20%) Eastern Region (18%).

Assistant Commissioner Hilman added ”These statistics of incidents reported to An Garda Síochána in 2022 with a hate motive build on the baseline figures published for 2021.”

“The level of reporting has increased overall. While it is disappointing that any incidents occur which have a hate related motive, it is positive to see more victims coming forward to An Garda Síochána and reporting their experiences.”

During 2022 An Garda Síochána implemented a Hate Crime ELearning Programme developed in conjunction with NGOs. This programme has been completed by 83.2% of all Garda members.

University of Galway and Grant Thornton celebrate 5 years of mentoring programme

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March 22, 2023

galway daily news access centre mentoring programme 5 years — From left: Paul Dodd, Vice President for Engagement, Dr Mary Surlis, Senior Academic Manager Access Centre; University of Galway students Mario Mereuta, Linda Mhelembe, Mamadou Saliou Bah, Shannon Lydon, Alan Welby and Nathan Martin, and Aengus Burns, Advisory Partner at Grant Thornton. Photo: Aengus McMahon

University of Galway’s Access Centre and Grant Thornton have celebrated five years of their joint Professional Engagement Module — an experience-based module of learning for Access students.

Over an eight-week period, Access students are assigned a mentor from Grant Thornton Galway and take part in a specifically designed module of structured, interactive learning.

As a result of taking part in the programme, students gain exposure to the professional environment, develop career skills, and increase their career readiness.

The mentoring, time spent in the Grant Thornton offices and workshops run as part of the module combine to give the students self-belief around progression in education and in planning for their careers.

Aengus Burns, Advisory Partner with Grant Thornton, said: “We believe it is very important to show students through the Access Programme what opportunities there are in this industry, how Grant Thornton interacts with its own staff and clients, and present opportunities to these students.”

Vice President for Engagement at University of Galway, Dr Paul Dodd, said that the programme speaks to the “importance of diverse learning experiences and collaborations” with the wider community and industry.

“The benefits of this relationship between the Access Centre and Grant Thornton are very apparent in the way that the students speak about their mentors and the motivation it has given them to persist and strive for success within their chosen courses,” said Dr Dodd.

The Access Programmes are for those with the ability to benefit from and succeed in higher education but who, for a variety of socio-economic reasons, are under-represented at third level.

Dr Mary Surlis, Senior Academic Manager in University of Galway’s Access Centre, said the programme offers a very exciting opportunity to our students to engage in a professional setting, and to experience the support and encouragement of dedicated committed professionals, this will benefit our students enormously.”

University of Galway Access student Nathan Martin said: “To visit the Grant Thornton offices and see how things operate in a real business setting, not just theorizing it, actually getting to see it in action, is hugely beneficial to us.

“It keeps our drive going. That for me fermented it in my own head that I really do want to do the course that I have chosen, and I believe for my fellow students it has given them the same passion and drive to keep going as well.”

Anti-Far Right public meeting in Galway City this evening

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March 22, 2023

An Anti-Far Right public meeting will be held in Galway City this evening organised by the Socialist Party.

Former Socialist Party TD Ruth Coppinger will be addressing the “Unite and Fight The Fascist Far Right – No To Racism, Transphobia and Misogyny” event.

Ahead of the meeting Ruth Coppinger said, “The far right promote the politics of hatred and division. They are exploiting alienation in communities and anger at the housing crisis which FG\FF governments have created for over a decade.”

“Disgustingly, far right agitators tap into fears about violence against women, spreading lies about migrant men being the danger, when their own macho behaviour adds to misogyny.”

“Everywhere they organise in Europe there is an increased risk to the safety of immigrants, the LGBTQ community and people who are active on the political Left.”

“Now that they are emerging as a small force in Ireland, it is important that antifascism is organised as a force throughout the country.”

The meeting will be held in Richardson’s Bar, Eyre Square at 7:30pm, with other speakers sharing their experiences as activists against racism and discrimination.

Belgian antifascist organiser, Geert Cool, who will bring lessons from the Blokbusters in Belgium who opposed the far right Vlaams Blok and he has worked with Youth Against Racism in Europe.

Also speaking will be young anti racist campaigner, Myriam Poizat, and organiser with YARI (Youth Against Racism & Inequality) who will talk about how minorities have been attacked and how organising is critical.

Upgrade works on Shop Street & High Street commencing next week

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March 22, 2023

Galway Daily news Upgrade works on Shop Street & High Street commencing next week

Ongoing upgrade works to Shop Street and High Street in Galway City Centre will get underway next week.

These are part of a programme of street rehabilitation and drainage works in the pedestrian area of the city.

These works are aimed at removing uneven surfaces, which sees water pooling, in the more heavily trafficked areas of the city.

Speaking about the works, Patrick Greene, Director of Services with the City Council said, “Works in the pedestrian area began in 2019, and have been progressed in discrete sections, as we are very conscious of avoiding works on the street during the peak summer and Christmas trading periods.”

“This approach has worked well to date, with the cooperation of all stakeholders – and I wish to thank them for their cooperation and collaboration.”

A contractor has now been appointed for the next phase of these upgrade works to the city centre high street, he added, and they are expected to be completed by early June.

Works will be completed in four phases, cordoned off from the public by fences, in approximately 30metre long sections at a time.

Trader traffic will be facilitated on a daily basis, with some rerouting arrangements at times, including diversions from High Street for 2-3 weeks.

“The team in Transport have been liaising with local businesses and stakeholders in the immediate vicinity of the works area, and engagement will continue throughout the project, with a dedicated point of contact available 24 hours a day.”

“Some of the works will be underground – such as drainage and underground services upgrades, and removal of soft ground, and the finished works will bring a real improvement to the street”.

Teenage pedestrian killed in collision involving truck

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March 22, 2023

A teenager was killed after being hit by a truck in the west of Ireland on Tuesday evening.

Gardaí attended the scene of a fatal road traffic collision on the R345 at The Neale, Co. Mayo yesterday.

The collision, which involved a truck and a pedestrian, occurred shortly before 5pm.

The pedestrian, a male juvenile teenager, was fatally injured in the collision.

His body has been removed to Mayo University Hospital where a post-mortem examination will take place in due course.

The R345 (The Neale to Cong) road remained closed overnight, and local diversions are currently in place.

The scene of the crash is subject to a forensic examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators.

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

Anyone who was travelling on the R345, The Neale to Cong road, between 4pm and 5pm this evening and who may have camera footage (including dash cam) is asked to make this available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to contact Claremorris Garda Station 094 937 2080, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Prime Time focuses on vile abuse & harassment faced by retail staff

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March 21, 2023

galway daily news prime time rté retail staff abuse march 2023

Tonight’s Prime Time on RTÉ One will report on the wave of vile abuse, harassment and shoplifting that has hit shops and supermarkets across Ireland.

In tonight’s programme, shop workers across the country tell the programme that they are experiencing a surge in harassment, physical attacks, shoplifting and anti-social behaviour.

Shane Gleeson, who runs five Spar shops in Limerick city, told Prime Time that he has had a bottle of wine broken and threatened with the broken glass.

“I’ve had guys with needles… My son was threatened with a knife,” he said.

Shane estimates that petty crime is costing him €70,000 to €80,000 per year in just one of his five shops.

He told Prime Time: “We’ve noticed since Covid a very small element of society has gotten far more aggressive, and it is difficult to deal with.”

“Routinely, they’ll say, ‘I will wait for you outside’, ‘We’ll get you when you go home’, ‘I will kill you… I’ll burn you out’.”

Tara Buckley, Director General of RGDATA, which represents over 4,000 independent grocery stores, told Prime Time: “The amount of crime, day in, day out, shoplifting, theft, assault, harassment, racist attacks, sexual harassment…our members are really concerned.”

“Young staff are being harassed; the racism staff, who are from other countries, have to deal with; spitting, kicking, punching, shouting and making a scene in the store, throwing things at them. It’s actually out of control.”

Sisters Sheila and Catherine Clarke run Clarke’s XL shop in Ballina, Co Mayo. Sheila told Prime Time: “At the moment, we’re almost going through a pandemic of petty crime.”

A recent RGDATA survey of the owners of 400 convenience shops, forecourt stores and supermarkets found that 95% of them have been victims of crime in last twelve months.

The survey found that 93% have been victims of shoplifting and a quarter have been the victims of robberies or burglaries.

The full report, ‘Retail Torment’, will air on Prime Time, RTÉ One and RTÉ Player at 9.35pm tonight.

First Nelson Mandela Anti-Racism Week at University of Galway

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March 21, 2023

galway daily news nelson mandela anti-racism week

University of Galway has launched its inaugural Nelson Mandela Anti-Racism Week which will be taking place until Friday 24 March.

The events coincide with International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, observed each year on March 21.

The week-long programme also commemorates the 20th anniversary of Nelson Mandela being awarded an honorary doctorate by University of Galway in 2003.

On that occasion, Mandela said it was a source of great pride to be honoured by an Irish university.

“To stand here at the University and receive an honorary doctorate makes one feel part of that proud lineage of scholarship, learning and wisdom that had been passed down the centuries of Irish history,” he said.

The extensive range of initiatives outlined in the programme of events includes both student and staff led activities such as workshops, a diversity café, exhibitions, virtual reality experience, race equality training, Traveller and Roma film festival, society events, and cultural events. Guest speakers include Emer O’Neill, Rosemarie Maughan, Dr Amanullah De Sondy, Ikenna Anyabuike, Ashwin Chacko, Mary Watson and Sharmilla Beezmohun.

Highlights during the week include:

Photo Exhibition: Celebrating Racial Diversity at University of Galway
Experiencing Direct Provision through the eyes of University of Galway Students (Virtual Reality Experience),
Remembering Nelson Mandela’s Conferring Ceremony at the University of Galway, (Thursday, March 23 at 11.30am in the Aula Maxima, Quadrangle) where South African Ambassador to Ireland, Yolisa Maya, will deliver the keynote address
Panel discussion: The Intersection between Racism and Public Spaces by Emer O’Neill, Rosemarie Maughan and Amanullah De Sondy (Friday March 24 at 11am, The Cube, Áras na Mac Léinn)

Dr Helen Maher, Vice-President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion said: “The week aims to empower the University community to act on Nelson Mandela’s Anti-Racism vision and the University’s values of respect, openness, excellence and sustainability, through the advancement of race equality and anti-racism which aligns with the University’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy.

“I very much look forward to continuing to engage with everyone in progressing a transformative equality, diversity and inclusion agenda at University of Galway.”

To mark the inaugural Nelson Mandela Anti-Racism Week, the Office of the Vice President for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion has awarded funding to 11 projects as part of the annual Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Project Fund.

The funding is available to staff and students on a competitive basis for a variety of Anti-Racism projects within the University.

In addition, the University is hosting the first national HEA conference on Race Equality in Higher Education on March 20 to highlight the structural, institutional, and historical dimensions of racism which have informed past and current practices in HEIs and the societies in which they are situated.

Owen Ward, EDI Programme Manager for Race Equality at University of Galway, said: “The diverse programme of events during Nelson Mandela Anti-Racism week is based on a collaborative approach throughout the university, supported by the Office of the Vice-President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

“The events are designed to be deliberative and interactive, facilitating discussion, learning and engagement on a wide range of issues relevant to race, ethnicity and anti-racism.”

For further information and to register for events, visit here.

Flooding likely as Galway City Council closes car parks

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March 21, 2023

Galway Daily news Met Eireann warns of "phenomenal waves" and possible flooding today

Galway City Council has warned of high spring tides in the coming days which will likely lead to some wave overtopping in Salthill.

As a precaution, Toft Park and Silverstrand carparks closed at 5pm on Tuesday and the main car park in Salthill will be closed from 10pm.

Localised flooding is also possible around the Docks and Spanish Arch during high tide periods from tomorrow morning Wednesday through to high tide on Thursday morning.

Road users in these areas are advised to proceed with caution.

Galway City Council crews will be on standby and will be monitoring during both this evening’s high tide and tomorrow morning’s high tide.

The Public are advised not to park in either of these car parks after those times until further notice.

High tide times of note

Wednesday 22 March at 5.15am

Wednesday 22 March at 5.45pm

Thursday 23 March at 5.30am

Thursday 23 March at 5.45pm

As forecasted weather and tidal conditions are variable at this time, Galway City Council is continuing to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates.

Local fisherman’s quick actions praised after rescue operation

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March 21, 2023

Galway Daily news Coast Guard and RNLI remind people to stay safe around the water over Christmas — RNLI/Galway

A local fisherman has been praised for his swift actions and quick thinking which helped rescue three people on Sunday off the Galway coast.

Fisherman John O’Toole immediately called for assistance after spotting a boat which had lost power with three passengers on board.

Visibility was poor with heavy rainfall, and the small boat was drifting towards the rocks of Inishturk.

The volunteer crew from Clifden’s Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat launched at midday under the command of Helm James Mullen, with Joe Acton and Kenny Flaherty as crew, and Shane Conneely as Tractor Driver.

The crew made their way to the location in under five minutes, and by this time the fisherman had begun to tow the stricken vessel away from the rocks.

The lifeboat crew proceeded to escort both boats to safety.

Speaking about the shout, Clifden RNLI Helm James Mullen commended John O’Toole for his fast actions on Sunday.

“This could have been a very serious outcome for the three passengers involved but John called for assistance firstly, then located the boat and was in a position to safely assist them,” he said.

James also gave advice for anyone going afloat.

“When going to sea we would remind everyone to check their engine and fuel, always wear a life jacket or buoyancy aid, and carry a means of calling for help. If you see someone in difficulty on or near the water, dial 999 and ask for the Coast Guard.”

UHG Emergency Department under major pressures after long weekend

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March 21, 2023

The Emergency Department at University Hospital Galway is under extreme pressure today, with long waiting times and no beds available.

The Saolta Group issued a statement saying that the hospital is still extremely busy after the long bank holiday weekend, and advising people coming for non-urgent care to expect long waiting times.

On Monday alone 251 people attended the ED and University Hospital Galway throughout the day.

The INMO has also reported that there are 56 patients on trolleys at UHG this morning, of whom 44 are in the emergency department.

“The high number of people attending who need to be admitted for ongoing treatment means that there is pressure on bed availability,” the statement to Galway Daily said.

“This is resulting in significant delays being experienced by patients in the Emergency Department who are waiting for a bed to become available on a ward.”

“All available beds are in use. Every effort is being made to discharge patients who are ready to go home so that beds will become available for patients who need to be admitted, at the earliest opportunity.”

As a result of this overcrowding a number of elective day case and inpatient adult procedures at the hospital are being postponed to prioritise urgent care.

People whose procedures have been cancelled are being contacted directly, and outpatient appointments are continuing as normal.

“The hospital acknowledges that these delays are very difficult for patients and their families and apologises for the inconvenience and distress these delays cause.”

“We continue to request that people consider other options for non-emergency care such as the Roscommon Injury Unit, Out of Hours GP and pharmacies before attending an ED.”

Galway TDs call for changes to housing policy in rental crisis

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March 21, 2023

Galway Daily news Disappointment that no occupational injury benefits coming for Long Covid sufferers

Independent Galway TDs are calling for the government to make a number of changes to its housing policy to support rental accommodation.

The Regional Independents Group, which includes Denis Naughten, Seán Canney, and Noel Grealish, met on Monday night, and agreed on eight proposals that they believe will have a real effect on the current housing crisis.

Galway TD Denis Naughten said that his position on the vote on the government’s housing policy tomorrow will be dependent on the government’s response.

The Dáil is due to debate a motion by Sinn Féin to extend the eviction ban today, with the government arguing against it, and vote on the matter tomorrow.

“My Regional Independent colleagues and I met last night and put the following eight asks to Government on the housing issue that would make a real difference to the current crisis,” Denis Naughten said.

The independents group wants to make it easier for elderly people in nursing homes to lease out their homes, and extend the rent-a-room scheme to people receiving social welfare, and include tax relief for small landlords in the next budget.

The group also wants to increase grants for refurbishing vacant properties, and open the scheme to properties being rented out, and not just owner-occupied.

Other proposals include guaranteeing payments to landlords where HAP tenants default, and supporting construction of Strategic Infrastructure Developments where planning has been secured, but work hasn’t begun.

“The objective behind our eight proposals is to secure rental accommodation for those facing eviction, provide relief for small landlords to ensure they remain within the market and ensure affordable housing is made available to young couples and families.”

Deputy Naughten said that the government’s attitude towards these proposals will also influence his vote on the proposed no confidence motion in the government.

Labour Leader Ivana Bacik today told RTÉ’s Morning Ireland that it is likely that her party will table a vote of no confidence in the government by the end of the month.

Lidl appeals rejection of Claregalway supermarket plans

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March 21, 2023

galway daily news new Council rejects plans for Lidl supermarket in Claregalway

Lidl have appealed the refusal of planning permission for a supermarket in Claregalway to An Bord Pleanála.

The supermarket chain sought approval to build a supermarket on a 0.75ha greenfield site in the village centre, on the eastern side of the N83.

The county council refused planning permission for the new supermarket in February due to concerns about flooding, road safety, and the scale of the project.

Lidle has now appealed that decision to An Bord Pleanála, which is due to make a ruling on the case by July 10 of this year.

The appeal states that the subject site is “available, suitable, and viable” land adjacent to the town centre, and that the county council’s assessment of the application contained “inaccurate assumptions and conclusions”.

Lidl had said that when completed, the supermarket would create 30 new jobs in the town, along with supporting 100 construction jobs when being built.

The appeal states that the decision to call the site a flood risk was “arbitrary and unspecified”, and that there is adequate surface water drainage.

The appeal also disputes that the proposed entrance onto the Galway Road would create road safety concerns, and that concerns about the design of the development were subjective.

Traffic disruption expected as city centre street closing for four days

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March 21, 2023

Traffic disruption is expected in Galway City Centre early next month with four days of roadworks due to take place in April.

The city council has notified that Mary Street will be closed to traffic from Monday, April 3 through to Thursday, April 6.

The road will be closed between Bowling Green and the Eglinton Street Junction.

The purpose of the road closure is to allow gas infrastructure works to take place.

Temporary diversion routes will be in place via Newtownsmith, Saint Vincent’s Avenue and Saint Francis Street

Advance diversion signage will be in place prior to roadworks commencing.

Objections to the proposed temporary closure may be submitted to the city council until midday on Thursday, April 23.

Croí donation adds fourth defibrillator to Salthill

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March 20, 2023

galway daily news croí gets donation for new defibrilator in salthill — Pictured at the cheque presentation: Neil Johnson, CEO Croí; Pat Hobbert, President Galway Salthill Rotary; Maura O’Connor with her daughter Laura, and Jerry O’Leary, Galway Salthill Rotary.

Galway Salthill Rotary Club recently presented a cheque to Neil Johnson, CEO of Croí, in memory of their longstanding member, the late Benny O’Connor.

The donation has added a fourth automated external defibrillator (AED) to Salthill and is centrally located beside Salthill car park on the wall of the toilet block facing the sea.

Croí would like to take this opportunity to thank the O’Connor family and Galway Salthill Rotary Club for their generosity and support, as well as Galway City Council for facilitating the location of this lifesaving medical equipment.

An AED, or automated external defibrillator, is used to help those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.

It is a sophisticated, yet easy-to-use, medical device that can analyse the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock, or defibrillation, to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm.

Pat Hobbert, President of Galway Salthill Rotary, said the club’s Kick the Wall collection box embedded in the wall at Blackrock has been a considerable success.

“For the last eleven years it has enabled the club to support local charities through the generosity of the Galway public, the defibrillator being an example.”

County councillor calls on TDs to back motion to extend eviction ban

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March 20, 2023

Galway daily news Galway County social housing tenants

Loughrea Cllr Declan Kelly is calling on all TDs from the county to support Sinn Féin’s motion to extend the eviction ban until the end of next January.

The Independent councillor has said that to do otherwise will cause “unimaginable distress and anxiety” for numerous families.

“Almost a year ago, President Higgins described the situation regarding housing in Ireland as a ‘great, great failure’,” said Cllr Kelly.

“I would go further and say that the housing situation and the government’s handling of it has been nothing short of catastrophic.”

He said that in Galway county, there are approximately 3,500 on the waiting list for houses with almost 9% of that figure on the list for more than 11 years.

“How does it come to pass that some 300 people are left more than a decade waiting for a home that they can call their own?

“Despite this appalling situation, the coalition government is prepared to put the party whip system before the needs of people and families across the country and force TDs to support the ending of the eviction ban.”

Cllr Kelly said TDs should put their “consciences before party membership, to do the right thing and to support Sinn Féin’s motion on extending the ban until the end of next January.”

“If they do not, then voters should send a very clear message to government parties at the next local and general elections,” he added.

People Before Profit to launch ‘Galway Transport Vision’

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March 20, 2023

Galway Daily news City Councillor calls for unlimited travel public transport ticket

People Before Profit Galway has produced a document putting forward the party’s vision for the future of transport in Galway.

They will hold a launch of the document on Friday 24 March at 2pm, downstairs in Áras na nGael, Dominick Street.

Speaking at the launch will be People Before Profit TD Gino Kenny, and the party’s three candidates for the 2024 local elections in Galway city – Adrian Curran (City Central), Maisie McMaster (City West) and Denman Rooke (City East).

The launch event is open to the public and copies of the ‘Galway Transport Vision’ document will be available on the day.

Speaking ahead of the event, Adrian Curran said: “As our document points out, Galway is the most congested city of its size in Europe. The negative consequences of this are felt by us all, in terms of time wasted sitting in traffic, fuel expenses, air pollution and more.

“The document is intended to provoke a conversation and debate about the future of transport in Galway. In sections on bus, rail and active travel, we put forward a vision that could improve quality of life, reduce congestion and save people money.”

Denman Rooke said despite the rhetoric of the Green Party and others, Ireland is ‘utterly failing to take the actions necessary’ to reduce emissions.

“Last year we had the highest increase in greenhouse gas emissions of any EU country, at 17%. Transport is one of the most significant contributors to those emissions. It is vital we rapidly move to end the current reliance on private cars.

“This can be done through urgently improving the alternatives – bus, rail, cycling and walking. These must be enhanced to become attractive alternatives to the car for the journeys people make.”

Maisie McMaster said her party shows how fare-free public transport with an increased capacity is perfectly possible.

“In order to achieve this and the other types of changes called for in the Galway Transport Vision document, we need to break from the dependence on the private market and the for-profit model in the provision of public services.”

Launch of ‘On the Blanket’ book to be held in Gort

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March 20, 2023

Galway Daily news Gort awarded €100,000 for town centre revitalisation plan

The south Galway launch of Eoghan ‘Gino’ Mac Cormaic’s book On the Blanket will be held at Harte’s Bar in Gort on Thursday 30 March.

Eoghan will be in conversation with Louis O’Hara and will read from his book and reflect on his time in the H-Blocks and on the blanket and no-wash protests and there will also be a Q&A with the audience.

The event will begin at 8pm, and music will be provided on the evening by Pat O’Neill.

Eoghan Mac Cormaic was arrested at the age of 20 in 1976 and spent the next fifteen years in prison in the H Blocks of Long Kesh before moving to Galway in 1991.

Along with many others in the H-Blocks and in Armagh Women’s Prison, he began a prison protest to win back Special Category Status being denied them in 1976.

What developed became known as the Blanket Protest, an almost unbelievable set of prison conditions and protest which would eventually lead to the death of ten republican prisoners on hunger strike in 1981.

Mac Cormaic spent a total of 1,960 days on ‘the Blanket’ and no-work protest, and his story details – often in a wry and humorous way – the life endured by the 350 men and women who faced down this major British policy and eventually won their demands.

For anyone wanting to learn what life was like in the protest wings and indeed to understand the causes and motivations of those on protest, this book is a must-read and this public event a unique opportunity to hear a first-hand account of those historic days between 1976 and 1981.

Students’ Union CÉIM programme celebrates 10 year anniversary

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March 20, 2023

galway daily news students union ceim leaders — CÉIM student leaders 2022/23

University of Galway Students’ Union CÉIM academic peer learning programme is celebrating ten years of supporting 1st year students at the university.

Based on the internationally renowned Peer Assisted Learning model, CÉIM now offers weekly peer learning sessions to over 2,000 University of Galway students and this figure is growing all the time.

The programme has been extremely successful at helping students to transition to third level education, make friends, succeed academically and progress to 2nd year over the past decade.

Students meet in small groups with fellow 1st year students and trained student leaders from higher years to discuss coursework and have some fun.

Feedback about the programme has been overwhelmingly positive and research shows that regular attendees attain higher grades on average in comparison to non-attendees.

Students’ Union President Sai Gujulla said: “CÉIM is unique within Irish higher education as it delivers peer learning at scale via a strong partnership between students, staff and the Students’ Union.

“We are delighted to now be celebrating ten years of this award-winning programme and look forward to CÉIM being rolled out to more 1st year students in the coming academic year and beyond.”

CÉIM Director Amber Walsh Olesen added: “From small beginnings, CÉIM has grown into a thriving network of learning communities, supporting students throughout their entire 1st year at university.

“None of this would be possible without the dedication and generosity of the CÉIM student leaders, who volunteer their time to encourage and support 1st year students.”

Údarás na Gaeltachta launches support schemes for social enterprise

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March 20, 2023