74 patients on trolleys in Galway’s hospitals today

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April 5, 2023

Galway Daily news GRETB awarded €190,000 for facilities upgrades

Galway & Roscommon Education and Training Board will be receiving half a million in capital funding for further education projects.

Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris has this week announced a total of €8 million in funding in further education capital grants for the 16 ETBs in Ireland.

The GRETB is one of five in the second allocation group, with a maximum funding available of €507,500 each.

The devolved capital grant will give ETBs the discretion to make decisions around small-scale further education and training (FET) investment priorities at a local level.

The funding can be used for small scale works including necessary infrastructure and improvement works, and for the purchase of equipment

Minister Harris said, “The devolved capital grant allows ETBs to address a range of small-scale capital needs across their FET estates, including minor works and procurement of equipment.”

“This funding is an essential part of the overall funding framework to support ETBs in the delivery of FET.”

“Crucially, the fund is at the discretion of the ETB meaning it can address its priorities at a local level for delivery,” Simon Harris said.

Using this grant, ETBs will be able to carry out work such as upgrades to computer labs and science labs, replacement of apprenticeship equipment, roof works and planned improvement works of FET buildings.

The funding will be distributed through the state agency SOLAS, which oversees the further education and training sector.

Free electrical waste collection in Galway county this weekend

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April 5, 2023

Galway Daily news Free electrical waste collection event in Galway this weekend

Galway County Council is holding a free electrical waste recycling collection this weekend in Oughterard.

The free WEEE collection will take place this Saturday at Oughterard GAA Car Park, Pier Road, Oughterard.

The collection will allow county householders to dispose of any household waste electrical items, batteries or energy-saving lightbulbs, large or small.

It could be batteries and lightbulbs, or fridges and washing machines, and everything in between.

The free collection will run from 10am – 4pm next Saturday, April 8 in Oughterard.

University Hospital Galway picks up prestigious international award

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April 5, 2023

University Hospital Galway picks up prestigious international award

The Urology Department at University Hospital Galway recently claimed a prestigious international award at a conference in Milan.

The European Association of Urology Nursing Conference took place in Milan, Italy last month.

It saw the UHG Urology Department awarded second prize for setting up a clinical-academic partnered hybrid journal and research club.

The aim of the Journal and Research Club is to provide the nursing team with a safe learning space in which to develop their research skills.

Rachael Dalton ANP in prostate cancer who is a journal and research club member, presented the practice development initiative at EAU23.

“Within nursing practice it is profoundly important to develop research skills. This set of skills affords nursing teams the ability to critically review and utilise evidence based practice within nursing care,” she said.

The journal and research club meet bi-weekly, alternating between research and club meetings. It has held over 30 meetings to date, critiquing 17 peer reviewed journals.

The group has published one paper within the International Journal of Urology Nursing and currently one collaborative nurse led research study is at data analysis phase.

The creation of the space was led by Mr Robert McConkey ANP in bladder cancer at Galway University Hospitals.

“Unfortunately there are multiple barriers to development in this area including lack of time and indeed low levels of research confidence.

“Creating a supportive space for the urology nursing team to develop their research skills is an important development,” he said.

This project was awarded second prize at this international conference. Therese Kelly ANP in Benign LUTS accepted this award on behalf of the Journal and research club members.

GUH hospital manager, Chris Kane congratulated the team on their award adding, “Research and innovation is a crucial part of everything we do in GUH

“It’s wonderful to see initiatives such as this getting the recognition they deserve. I want to congratulate the team on this achievement.”

Missing teenage girl found safe and well

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April 5, 2023

A 15 year old girl missing from her home in Galway since last weekend has been found safe and well.

Gardaí made a public appeal for help locating Michala Mullen, who had been missing from her home in An Ceathrú Rua since Saturday, April 1.

The teenager has since been found safe and well on Tuesday evening Gardaí have confirmed.

An Garda Síochána thanked the public for their assistance in this matter.

Things to Consider When Betting on the Grand National

By

Thomas O'Brien

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April 5, 2023

Every year, Aintree hosts perhaps one of the most popular events in British sporting – the Grand National.

Tens of thousands of people dress up, get on the bus and travel to this world-famous destination to enjoy the atmosphere and even place bets on their favourite horses.

When betting on the Grand National, it isn’t always as easy as simply picking the name of a horse and hoping for the best. Research and preparation are crucial, so let’s see some useful tips to consider.

Betting on the Grand National

There are many factors to think about when placing a bet, such as form, the odds, your budget, and how many races are taking place. Grand National odds are easy to find online, but the other, often finer details can be a little tricky to get to grips with.

In this article, we’ll be taking a look at the factors you may want to consider to boost your chances of placing the most lucrative bet. It’s important to consider aspects such as the weather, performance, connections to other major events, qualification stages, and morale.

Your budget

It’s no secret that people lose money when betting and that’s why having a punt on the Grand National shouldn’t be taken too seriously.

In fact, many attendees simply place bets for some fun and to make memories. If they win, they win, and if not, they still had an exciting day to be remembered for years to come.

Your budget can play a role in your betting practices however, and this is why many people prefer to place their bets online, as they can control what they spend and even get to know the odds of winning before they decide to put their money down.

The Grand National isn’t just about horses

A common mistake that many people make when placing bets on the Grand National is to always pick the horse that is the favourite to win, only to watch it lose the race.

It isn’t just the horse that should be considered; it’s also the jockey and their performance to think about. Take some time to get to know about the rider and how successful they are, whether they ride the horse often, or if they are new to the horse and may lack the experience to control it – even if they are a veteran jockey.

Bet safely and securely

One majorly important factor to consider is betting safely. If you’re not attending the event in person, the chances are that you’ll be gambling online, and this is where choosing a reliable and reputable betting platform should be a priority.

Check that they are secure, licensed and adhere to legislation, and then feel free to place bets to your heart’s content.

Aintree’s famous Grand National also takes place annually, allowing plenty of opportunities to enjoy the experience.

You could even make it a tradition to place a bet or two and enjoy the results year after year. It’s best to focus on the experience and not chase wins.

Plans unveiled for up to 750 new homes in Sandy Road redevelopment

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April 4, 2023

Galway Daily news Plans unveiled for up to 750 new homes in Sandy Road redevelopment

Plans have been launched today for the massive redevelopment of Sandy Road in Galway City, which aims to deliver up to 750 new homes.

The Land Development Agency has announced a draft plan for the area now know as The Sandy Quarter, and a public consultation is underway.

The redevelopment of the Sandy Road area was first announced in January 2020, with a goal of creating a new urban quarter on the 20 acre site close to the city centre.

The new urban quater would include 650-750 new homes in buildings three to six storeys in height, and with one landmark nine storey building, in a mix of social, cost-rental, and private housing.

The site would be clustered around a large 12,490m² public park, a series of smaller ‘pocket parks’ in residential areas, and a public square.

The design approach involves distinct character areas that are linked throughout the site. They include The Garden District, where the pocket parks will be located, The Boardwalk, a commercial community with office space and retail units, and The Hub, a community and enterprise facility.

Brendan McGrath, Chief Executive of Galway City Council said that they are, “Very pleased to be working in partnership with the Land Development Agency to progress this strategic spatial framework for the Sandy Road area.”

“This site is very important in the context of compact growth, active travel, climate action, and the anticipated increase in population in Galway City under the National Planning Framework.”

“Sustainable, compact growth will be key to the continued success of Galway city, and ambitious plans such as the draft spatial framework for the Sandy Road area will be at the heart of this.”

The public consultation process began yesterday, Monday, April 3, and will run for six weeks until May 12 and includes consultation on supporting SEA documents.

A full copy of the Draft Spatial Framework for The Sandy Quarter, Galway can be found online at www.thesandyquarter.ie.

Feedback from the public consultation will be used by the LDA to identify how the site can develop, and where a first development phase could happen, before a final version of the framework is published later this year.

John Coleman, chief executive of the LDA said, “This is another significant development for the LDA and part of our ongoing work to optimise the potential of underutilised public land.

“The Draft Spatial Framework shows the exciting potential of this land and serves as a guide to how it can be radically transformed from a brownfield site into a vibrant urban quarter.”

“The LDA is already involved in a number of affordable and social housing projects with local authorities and is delighted to be working with Galway City Council, Galway County Council and the ESB on what will be a fantastic addition to Galway city.”

Man extradited to face serious drug charges in Galway

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April 4, 2023

Galway Daily courts Man charged with possessing images of child sex abuse — credit: Robert Linsdell CC BY 2.0 'The Courthouse, Courthouse Square, Galway'

A man was extradited from Germany this week to be brought before court on serious drugs charges in Galway.

Enio Lamce (44) was brought in custody before Galway District Court on Monday, having been extradited from Germany that day.

Lamce, who has an address on file at Coill Tire, Doughiska, has been charged with selling or supplying MDMA and Pyrrolidinouvalerophenone (PVP), commonly known as bath salts, whose value was in excess of €13,000.

The offences are alleged to have occurred at his home address in November 2015.

Garda Shaun Ross Garvey gave evidence to the court of arresting Lamce that morning, and that he made no reply to the charges after caution.

The Director of Public Prosecutions has already indicated that all matters are to proceed on indictment.

No bail application was made, and the case will come before the court this Wednesday by video-link.

Galway battery company Xerotech announces 100 new jobs

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April 4, 2023

Galway battery company Xerotech announces 100 new jobs — Dr Barry Flannery CEO of Xerotech

Galway based battery company Xerotech has announced that they plan to create 100 new jobs to meet growing global demand.

Xerotech, based in Claregalway Corporate Park, is a world leader in advanced battery systems for non-road mobile machinery applications.

Their batteries are used in a wide variety of applications, from mining and construction equipment to marine and aviation vehicles.

We are excited to be expanding our team as we continue to develop new and innovative solutions for our customers,” said Dr. Barry Flannery, CEO of Xerotech.

“Our battery systems are helping to drive the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future, and we are looking for talented and passionate individuals to join us in this mission.”

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has hailed Xerotech’s continued success and outlined what an important contribution this news is to the economy.

“Xerotech is one of the most innovative and interesting Irish companies I have engaged with,” the Taoiseach said.

Batteries are going to be a big part of our post-fossil fuels future and it’s extra-ordinary how advanced these technologies now are. It’s great that it’s happening in the West of Ireland.”

“Congratulations to Xerotech on their expansion and plans to hire 100 new employees to meet global demand.”

“This follows on from the company’s recent hiring for over 50 new positions, and highlights how Irish companies continue to successfully compete in global markets.“

The new roles coming on stream include various technical and support roles, including engineering, production, sales and marketing, research and development, quality assurance, machine build and design, supply chain, and testing.

It is expected that all of the new jobs at the Claregalway company will be filled by the end of the year.

Gardaí appeal for information on missing 15 year old girl from Galway

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April 4, 2023

Galway Daily news Gardaí make public appeal on missing 15 year old girl in Galway

Gardaí have appealed to the public for any information that could help locate a teenage girl from Galway missing since the weekend.

15-year-old Michala Mullen went missing from her home in An Cheathrú Ru in Connemara on Saturday, April 1.

Michala is described as being approximately 5’ 1” in height with a slim build. She has long red hair and green eyes.

It is not known what Michala was wearing at the time she went missing.

Anyone with information on Michala’s whereabouts is asked to contact Galway Garda Station on 091 538 000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Water outages in Ballindereen due to burst mains

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April 4, 2023

Galway daily news Water outages in multiple areas of Galway due to burst mains

People living in Ballindereen will be without water until late Tuesday afternoon due to a burst water mains.

The burst mains causing water outages to the south Galway village and surrounding areas was first reported around 10:20am this morning.

Repair works are underway, and are currently expected to be completed by 4:30pm according to Irish Water.

A traffic management plan will be in place in the village for the duration of the works.

It may take 2 – 3 hours after that before people see their full water supply restored, as the network refills.

Updates can be found on Irish Water’s supply and service website page.

Key Factors of Financial Business Support for Covid-19 in New Zealand

By

Angela Mc Bride

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April 4, 2023

The Covid-19 pandemic was initially a health crisis before it rapidly transformed into an economic crisis, affecting all businesses. Most governments imposed curfews, lockdowns, and other restrictions on public gatherings, which severely impacted business operations. As things got worse, international travel was restricted, and non-essential businesses closed to minimize the spread of the virus. Most governments had to step in, not only to slow down the infection rate but also to offer financial business support.

This article will discuss the key aspects of business support in New Zealand during the covid-19 pandemic.

The New Zealand government launched multiple schemes to support businesses affected by the pandemic. It announced a 12.1 billion U.S. Dollar support package to help deal with the crisis. The treasury was working with the entire government to:

Cushion the financial impact on businesses, communities, workers, and families,
Rebuild the New Zealand economy, and
Position the country for recovery.

Most of these financial business support schemes require good records of your business and employees. These documents will help in assessing whether you qualify for support. Most businesses store their records as pdf files, which makes them usable across multiple platforms.

An efficient scanner app can help you organize your records. For instance, you can use the best pdf scanner app for iPhone to transfer docs to your phone. This makes it easier to share docs in pdf with the relevant authorities. Furthermore, the app captures the docs ID, making it easier to identify documents and verify authenticity.

Here are some of the schemes introduced to provide business support in New Zealand.

Employer Wage Subsidy Scheme

The wage subsidy scheme is designed to support businesses that are reducing staff hours or laying off staff due to covid-19. The subsidy is a lump sum payment to the employer, who should use it to cover the employee’s wages for 12 weeks. All employers, sole traders, contractors, and self-employed persons adversely affected by the pandemic can qualify for the subsidy.

However, you must meet the following criteria to qualify for this subsidy for employers affected by covid-19 in New Zealand.

The business must be registered and operating in New Zealand.
Employees must be legally working in New Zealand, which includes those with the following:
- A New Zealand work visa
- A condition on their temporary visa allowing them to work in New Zealand
- International students with visas allowing them to work in New Zealand
The business must have experienced at least a 30 percent decline in actual or projected revenue within a month compared to the previous period, and the decline is covid-19 related.
The business must have taken active steps to reduce the effects of covid-19.
The employer must retain the benefiting employees for the subsidy period.

The employee wage subsidy is paid at a flat rate as follows:

A full-time rate of 585.80 U.S. Dollars for workers working 20 hours and above weekly.
A part-time rate of 350.00 U.S. Dollars for those working less than 20 hours weekly.

Business Finance Guarantee Scheme

The New Zealand Government introduced the Business Finance Guarantee Scheme to protect jobs and support businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The scheme is run by the government in partnership with approved banks and aims at offering new loans and increasing existing limits to eligible businesses.

The scheme offers financial business support to enterprises whose annual revenue is between 250,000 and 80 million U.S. dollars. Such businesses qualify for loans of up to half a million U.S. Dollars with a repayment period of up to three years. The Business Finance Guarantee Scheme will support businesses with operating expenses and cash flow. It aims to offer 6.25 billion U.S. dollars in loans to businesses affected by covid-a9 in New Zealand.

The approved banks cover only 20 percent of the risk, while the government guarantees 80 percent. However, the banks use the normal lending process and approve the loans.

Small Business Cash Flow Loan Scheme (SBCS)

This scheme aims at supporting small businesses, including the self-employed and sole traders, affected by covid-19 by offering loans to support their cash flow. Unlike the Business Finance Guarantee Scheme, SBCS targets smaller businesses, offering loans up to 100,000 U.S. Dollars. These are enterprises employing 50 full-time employees or fewer.

Government business support in New Zealand is not limited to big businesses. You can use the SBCS eligibility tool and learn how to apply. However, you will need an Inland Revenue account, commonly called myIR account. Most applicants receive their loans from Inland Revenue in five working days.

Leave Support Scheme

The Covid-19 Leave Support Scheme helps employers pay employees who are in self-isolation because of Covid-19 and can’t work remotely because:

They have Covid-19
They are at risk of serious illnesses from Covid-19, have a household member who is at risk, or a medical practitioner has advised them to self-isolate.
They are caring for a dependent suffering from Covid-19.

Self-employed persons can also apply for the scheme. Employers have eight weeks from the end of their workers’ self-isolation to apply. To apply, you fill out an online form, depending on whether you are self-employed, an employer, or a large employer. However, you must be in Australia or New Zealand when you apply.

The scheme pays 600 U.S. Dollars weekly to full-time workers and 359 U.S. Dollars to part-time workers.

Conclusion

The Covid-19 pandemic affected most businesses across all industries, and governments had to step in to keep businesses afloat. The New Zealand government launched numerous financial business support schemes. Business records help to identify which businesses are eligible for support under the various schemes. Therefore, it is important to maintain records, and an efficient scanner app can help you transfer docs on your phone. You can then share docs in pdf with different agencies to help determine which of the above schemes you can apply.

Warning for dog owners after 14 sheep killed in Galway

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April 4, 2023

Galway Daily news 14 sheep killed in Woodford dog attack

A total of 14 sheep, lambs and ewes, were killed as a result of a dog attack on a herd in the Woodford area of Galway recently.

Galway County Council said, that 10 lambs and 4 ewes were lost to a dog attack at Cloonoon, Woodford which was reported recently.

The county council issued a reminder to dog owners on facebook of how vulnerable sheep are to attacks, and their behaviour is their responsibility.

“Attacks on sheep can result in economic losses to the farmer, for which the dog owner can be held liable under the Control of Dogs Act.”

“All Dog Owners are requested to be particularly vigilant and to ensure that their dog is never let out unsupervised, particularly at night, and is under control at all times.”

Last month saw multiple lambs and ewes injures in another suspected dog attack at Deerpark, Kilchreest.

Along with the animals injured, there were a number of lambs unaccounted for when the council’s Dog Warden began investigating.

Good vibes for Good Friday with Music for Galway

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April 4, 2023

Good vibes for Good Friday with Music for Galway

As has become a tradition for Good Friday each year, Music For Galway has invited organist and choral director Mark Duley to wow audiences in the city.

Music for Galway invites peoples of all faiths and none to gather for an hour or thereabouts in the serene setting of St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church this Friday, April 7 and to grant themselves some piece and time to meditate to the sounds of choice sacred choral music.

This year Mark Duley has decided to work with his vocal ensemble Collegium, a group comprising of the best singers in Galway and beyond.

They will bring us two magnificent Spanish Renaissance works appropriate to Good Friday: Victoria’s sublime Requiem (Missa pro defunctis) of 1605 and Alonso Lobo’s Lamentations of Jeremiah, recently rescued from obscurity and possibly receiving a first performance in Ireland.

Mark Duley is one of Ireland’s most well-known choral specialists and has led workshops and masterclasses for choirs and conductors in Ireland, the UK, and continental Europe.

He founded Resurgam in 2003, with the aim of establishing it as Ireland’s premier project-based professional choir. He has directed the choir in numerous concerts and tours and over a wide range of repertoire.

Mark was born and raised in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand, and came to Ireland more than three decades ago, in 1992.

He has held several major posts in the country, including organist and director of music at Christ Church Cathedral Dublin, chorusmaster to the RTÉ Philharmonic Choir, artistic director of the Irish Baroque Orchestra, and artistic director of Pipeworks.

Make time for yourself this Good Friday and join and come to St. Nicholas’ Collegiate church at 5.00pm.

Tickets are available from the Music for Galway website www.musicforgalway.ie or by phone 091 705962 and are €18/€16 and €6 for full-time students and school going children.

Music for Galway Friends have a special concession of €14. If you are interested in becoming a MfG Friend, visit the website or phone the office.

Fianna Fáil City Councillor calls for extension of eviction ban

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April 4, 2023

Galway daily news Fianna Fáil City Councillor calls for extension of eviction ban

Fianna Fáil City Councillor Alan Cheevers has expressed strong criticism of the government’s decision to end the eviction ban.

In a statement to Galway Daily, Councillor Cheevers said that as a loyal member of Fianna Fáil, he has always supported government policy.

But the councillor, who represents Galway City East, said that he disagrees with the government’s decision to end the eviction ban at the end of March.

“Over the last few weeks many of my constituents who are on notice to quit, have contacted me. Many of these people do not know whether they will have a roof over their heads in the coming weeks.”

“It is also more alarming that at present Galway City Council has very limited emergency accommodation to offer,” Alan Cheevers said.

The government decision to end the ban on landlords evicting patients at the end of last month was met with counter legislation in the Dáil, and a confidence vote which the government won.

More than 4,300 notices to quit were issued by landlords across Ireland in the final three months of last year, newly published figures from the Residential Tenancies Board have shown.

Councillor Cheevers said that he “can’t support a policy of ending the eviction ban at present until the programme of measures and supports proposed by government are fully operational.”

The eviction ban should remain in place until September of this year he added, as the time given to implement these measures has been insufficient.

“I realise that the ban cannot continue on a long term basis and we must protect the rental market. But it’s important that the programme of measures is given sufficient time to work and lessen the impact on those who could end up homeless.”

He added that inroads have been made on housing targets, with 30,000 homes delivered last year, including 7,000 social housing units, but that stronger output is needed from local authorities.

“In conclusion I believe that I must follow my conscience and represent many of my constituents who are in danger of losing their homes.”

COPD support Ireland to host free webinar on Friday

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April 3, 2023

galway daily news free copd webinar — Chef, author and TV presenter, Adrian Martin who will contribute to Friday's webinar

COPD Support Ireland will host a free webinar for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) this Friday, April 7.

The webinar, titled ‘Living Your Best Life with COPD’, aims to offer lots of practical tips on the lifestyle changes people with COPD can make to enhance their quality of life.

It will feature a number of contributions on different aspects of living with COPD, including maintaining mental fitness, making food enjoyable, and rediscovering the benefits of outdoor activity.

Speakers include well-known psychologist Dr Eddie Murphy, award-winning landscape gardener, David Shortall, and chef, author and TV presenter, Adrian Martin.

Attendees will also be signposted to resources in their communities, such as support groups, hospital pulmonary rehabilitation programmes, Living Well self-management support programmes, the COPD & Me exercise programme, and the SingStrong programme for better lung health.

Perhaps more well-known as bronchitis or emphysema, there are an estimated 380,000 people living with COPD in Ireland. Its key symptoms are ongoing breathlessness and a persistent cough, with or without phlegm.

While tobacco is the main cause, other risk factors include exposure to second-hand smoke, inhalation of dusts, chemicals and fumes, living with an existing condition such as chronic asthma, and having a family history of certain lung-related illnesses.

A recent survey undertaken by Behaviour & Attitudes on behalf of COPD Support Ireland found that while seven in ten (68%) people have heard of COPD, almost nine in ten (88%) know little or nothing about it.

One third (35%) were unable to identify any symptoms associated with the condition. For the most part, awareness was higher among older age groups and people from less well-off backgrounds, while women tended to be more informed than men.

The ‘Living Your Best Life with COPD’ webinar takes place on Good Friday from 12 midday to 1.30pm and is completely free of charge.

To register, or for more information on living with COPD, visit www.copd.ie or call the COPD AdviceLine on Freefone 1800 832 146 to make an appointment to speak to a COPD specialist nurse or physiotherapist.

Ballinasloe school receives 3 new classrooms as new building to be fast-tracked

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April 3, 2023

galway daily news st. teresa's special school ballinasloe

St. Teresa’s special school in Ballinasloe will receive three new temporary classrooms while the new school building project is to be fast-tracked.

Roscommon-Galway TD Denis Naughten received confirmation of the plans from the Minister for Education, who told him that three new modular general classrooms are being organised to cater for the current needs of the school.

Deputy Naughten said that these temporary classrooms will be of ‘huge benefit to both pupils and staff’ until the new school is built on an adjoining site.

The Minister has also informed him that the new school has been included in a fast-track school building programme known as ADAPT.

He said that it is very positive that Minister Foley and her Department have included the school in the scheme to achieve the best possible timeframe for the progression of the project.

“The Department will shortly advise the school authorities of further developments in relation to the appointment of the design team,” he said.

“Tenders are now due back on the appointment of the design team for the school, with the formal appointment expected before the school summer holidays.”

New roles for Galway Sinn Féin TDs in frontbench reshuffle

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April 3, 2023

galway daily news mairead farrell claire kerrane sinn féin tds galway

Sinn Féin has announced a wide-ranging frontbench reshuffle today with new roles announced for local TDs Mairéad Farrell and Claire Kerrane.

Roscommon-Galway TD Claire Kerrane will be the party’s spokesperson for Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs heading into the next election, while Galway West TD Mairéad Farrell will take on Higher Education, Innovation and Science.

Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald said that Deputy Kerrane will bring a “real personal passion” for the future of the family farm to the agriculture brief.

She said that Mairéad Farrell will bring her experience of the Public Expenditure and Reform portfolio, as well her expertise in economics to her new role.

Ms McDonald described her new frontbench as a team “full of talent, experience and ambition and bursting with the energy to deliver; a team that is ready to deliver change in government.”

Local primary school students win national final of Credit Union Schools Quiz

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April 3, 2023

galway daily news knocknacarra educate together winners credit union quz — Knocknacarra Educate Together's Cillian D’arcy, Melissa Huve, Enya Farinas and Ella Donald, Pic. Robbie Reynolds

Four students from Knocknacarra Educate Together have won the national final of the Credit Union Schools Quiz for 2023 in the Under 11 age category.

The winning team was Cillian D’arcy, Melissa Huve, Enya Farinas and Ella Donald, representing Claddagh Credit Union.

The winners claimed their titles following a nerve-wracking final during which 85 teams-of-four from the across the island battled it out at the RDS in Dublin on Sunday.

The participating children were accompanied by families, relatives, teachers and friends who enthusiastically cheered them on at the event which was hosted by Fergal D’Arcy.

Over 25,000 students from schools across the country competed in local and regional quiz rounds over the past several months.

The quiz is divided into two sections; Competition A for children under 11 and Competition B for children under 13.

The quiz is an important part of the Irish League of Credit Unions’ (ILCU) youth outreach programme, which aims to demonstrate the value of local credit unions to children and young people.

The ILCU is the largest credit union representative body on the island of Ireland, working on behalf of member credit unions across Ireland.

Helene McManus, President of the ILCU, said they are delighted to congratulate the winners of this year’s Credit Union Schools Quiz.

“The competition highlights the knowledge and skills of young people and reinforces the credit union movement’s values of financial education and community involvement,” she said.

“It is also a testament to the hard work and dedication of the credit union volunteers and staff who organize and facilitate the competition at a local level every year.

“We are proud of their commitment to promoting financial education and supporting the development of children who are the future of the communities we serve.”

Ambitious plans for 750 homes in new Galway City quarter

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April 3, 2023