More than 1,000 patients on trolleys at UHG in worst March on record

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March 31, 2023

Galway Daily news Missing Galway man Shane Walsh found safe

Young Galway man Shane Walsh who had been reported missing from Loughrea this week has been found.

The 25 year old man was reported missing after last being seen in the Portumna area on Wednesday, April 29.

Shane’s mother Assumpta Shannon made a heartfelt plea for information that would let the family know that he is safe.

An Garda Síochána have now said that the young man has been located safe and well.

Gardaí thanked the public for their assistance in this matter.

City Council approves plans for new Wetherspoons pub and restaurant

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March 31, 2023

Galway Daily news City Council approves plans for new Wetherspoons pub and restaurant

Galway City Council has given the green light for a Wetherspoons pub in the city centre at the site of the former Carbon Nightclub.

JD Wetherspoon PLC intends to open a pub and restaurant by the name of The Three Red Sails at the Eglinton Street site.

The UK pub chain submitted plans in July 2022 for works including demolition and refurbishment works at ground floor level including the front elevation at Eglinton Street.

The plans also include an extension to first floor level to include a roof terrace, customer toilets and staff facilities.

Modifications will be made to the existing beer garden on the ground floor, and a second one will be added on the roof terrace upstairs.

The planning application came three years after the former nightclub was bought by Wetherspoons.

No food or drink shall be allowed in the beer garden area after 10pm in order to reduce noise disturbance.

Planning permission for the development has been granted by Galway City Council subject to 23 conditions.

Wetherspoon already runs seven pubs and two hotels in Ireland: the Three Tun Tavern (Blackrock), The Forty Foot (Dun Laoghaire), The Great Wood (Blanchardstown), The Linen Weaver (Cork), The Old Borough (Swords) including hotel, Keaven’s Port Hotel (Dublin), The Tullow Gate (Carlow) and The Silver Penny (Dublin).

Grand Slam winners return for Connacht v Benetton

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March 31, 2023

Galway Daily rugby Aki and Fryday named Guinness Rugby Writers Players Of The Year

Six changes have been made to the Connacht side that will face off against Benetton this weekend, with Grand Slam winners Mack Hansen and Bundee Aki returning to the fold.

This will be Hansen’s first time back playing for Connacht since starting in every Irish game in the Six Nations, and Aki’s first time back in the starting XV with the province since Christmas.

Their respective returns are among the six changes made from the side that beat Edinburgh last week, with fellow internationals Dave Heffernan, Leva Fifita, Paul Boyle and Tiernan O’Halloran also coming into the starting team.

Connacht will be headed to Treviso to face the Italian side this Saturday, with kick-off at 3pm Irish time.

Speaking following the team announcement, Director of Rugby Andy Friend said that this was yet another bit of good news after last week’s win against Edinburgh.

“There was lots to like about last weekend’s win, so it’s a brilliant situation we find ourselves in where we can bring six experienced internationals into the team for this game.”

“That experience will be very important in knockout rugby, particularly away against a Benetton side who will also welcome back some important players.”

Heffernan is joined by props Peter Dooley and Jack Aungier while Niall Murray partners Fifita in the second row. The back row sees flankers Cian Prendergast and Conor Oliver join number 8 Boyle.

The 9-10 combo of captain Caolin Blade and David Hawkshaw is unchanged, while Tom Farrell partners Aki at outside centre. The inclusion of Hansen and O’Halloran means John Porch moves to the right wing.

Andy Friend has a very positive outlook on the strength of the Connacht squad, and what it means for their chances in the URC.

“I’m very confident that we have the sufficient squad depth to challenge on both fronts in this final block of games.”

“What’s important now is to build on our recent performances as we attempt to progress through to the next stage of this competition.”

CONNACHT RUGBY MATCHDAY 23 VS BENETTON RUGBY

Saturday 1^st April, 15:00 Irish time @ Stadio Comunale di Monigo

Number/Name/Caps

15. Tiernan O’Halloran (217)
14. John Porch (76)
13. Tom Farrell (94)
12. Bundee Aki (123)
11. Mack Hansen (24)
10. David Hawkshaw (13)
9. Caolin Blade (165)
1. Peter Dooley (15)
2. Dave Heffernan (179)
3. Jack Aungier (47)
4. Leva Fifita (23)
5. Niall Murray (51)
6. Cian Prendergast (42)
7. Conor Oliver (58)
8. Paul Boyle (84)

16. Dylan Tierney-Martin (19)
17. Jordan Duggan (37)
18. Sam Illo (9)
19. Oisin Dowling (39)
20. Shamus Hurley-Langton (15)
21. Kieran Marmion (225)
22. Cathal Forde (11)
23. Shane Jennings (2)

€5 million funding for Knock Airport includes state of the art screening system

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March 31, 2023

Galway Daily news €5 million funding for Knock Airport includes state of the art screening system

Ireland West Airport at Knock has been awarded €5 million in funding which will be used for major upgrade projects this year.

The funding under the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025 will be used to upgrade electrical infrastructure, runway safety works, and a new fire engine tender.

It will also be used to improve the airport’s security through new baggage x-ray and security screening systems, and the installation of new central search security equipment.

The announcement was made this week by Minister for State with special responsibility for aviation Jack Chambers as part of a €17m investment in capital projects for regional airports in Ireland.

In addition to the exchequer funding announced today, the airport will invest over €1 million to support the completion of these projects.

Arthur French, Chairman, Ireland West Airport said this this funding, “Will assist the airport in undertaking critically important safety and security related projects this year.”

“This funding will support the latest phase of our airport transformation programme aimed at both futureproofing the airport and ensuring our facilities meet the needs of our customers as we prepare for a record summer flight schedule.”

“In particular the introduction of the new state of the art security screening system later this year will make the experience for passengers using the airport an even quicker and more seamless one and we expect this will be received with great enthusiasm and delight by passengers.”

The new screening system will allow to keep their liquids and electronic devices in their baggage when going through security, making the process far more efficient.

This will also allow the 100ml restriction on liquids passing through security to be lifted, a change that it sure to be welcomed by holidaymakers.

In addition, upgrade and essential maintenance works are almost complete for the airports upstairs Sláinte Restaurant which plans to reopen before June.

Boil Water Notice issued for 1,000 Loughrea properties

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March 31, 2023

Galway Daily news Boil Water Notice issued for 1,000 Loughrea properties

A Boil Water Notice has been issued for approximately 1,000 homes and businesses in parts of Loughrea town.

Irish Water issued the notice for localised areas in Loughrea following the detection of low chlorine residuals, and elevated iron levels, in the public water supply.

Water must be boiled for drinking, drinks made with water, preparation of food not cooked prior to eating, brushing teeth, or making ice.

However, the water supply is still suitable for hygiene purposes, such as showering and hand-washing.

Uisce Éireann’s Eoin Hughes acknowledges the impact of this notice on the community and regrets the inconvenience to impacted customers.

“Public health is Uisce Éireann’s number one priority, and we are working closely with Galway County Council to restore drinking water quality for all impacted customers and to lift the Boil Water Notice as quickly as it is safe to do so, and in consultation with the HSE.”

The Boil Water Notice affects properties on: Castle Street, Church Street, King Street, Kelly Street, Piggott Street, Moore Street, Dolphin Street, Mount Carmel Crescent, Athenry Road, Liam Mellows Terrace, Cross Street, Old Galway Road (Westbridge Junction to Coys Boreen Junction), Woodford Road (Barrack Street/Cross Street Junction southwards to St. Brendan’s Day Care Centre, Bride Street and The Hill (Main Street/Station Road Junction to Garrybreedia), Caheronaun (Junction of Caheronaun Road/Bride Street to Caheronaun Park), Abbey Street, Gallows Hill, Cosmona (Junction of Dolphin Street/Abbey Street to Old Cosmona via Gallows Hill).

Eoin added, “Some of this pipework is constructed from cast iron and, depending on the area, can be up to 100 years old.”

“Old cast iron mains typically suffer from sediment being dislodged during repair or maintenance works, causing temporary discolouration of the water or the water appearing brown before it reaches customers’ taps.”

Customers can check if their property is included by visiting the Water Quality section of our website and entering the property’s Eircode or by calling the Uisce Éireann’s customer care helpline, open 24/7, on 1800 278 278.

Over 8,000 waiting for Orthopaedic appointments at Galway University Hospitals

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March 31, 2023

galway daily news new x-ray service in tuam galway

There are more than 8,000 people waiting for an Orthopaedic outpatient appointment at Galway University Hospitals.

As of March 16, there were a total of 8,044 patients waiting for such an appointment, with just 434 having an appointment date set.

These figures were provided by the Saolta Hospital Group in response to a question from City Councillor John Connolly ahead of a meeting of the Regional Health Forum.

Of those waiting for an Orthopaedic appointment in Galway, 2,503 have been waiting for more than the National Service Plan target of 15 months.

The average waiting time for appointments is 434 days, but there are 152 people on that list who have been on a waiting list for more than two years.

Beyond just getting an appointment to be seen, there are 1,158 people on a waiting list for Orthopaedic surgery at Galway University Hospitals.

Just 74 of those patients have been given a date for there surgery. There are 41 people who have been waiting longer than two years, none of whom have been given a date.

Developer appeals rejection of Athenry housing and commercial development

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March 31, 2023

Galway daily news Knocknacarra social housing

A developer has appealed the county council’s decision to refuse planning permission for a mixed use development of 32 apartments, and offices in Athenry.

RHOC Athenry had submitted plans for the demolition of three buildings off the Caheroyn Road, and to build four blocks on the 1.34ha site, along with a new access road to get to the site.

The county council ultimately refused planning for the development, which has now been appealed to An Bord Pleanála.

Building 1 will be a three storey duplex building, with 2 home office/start-up incubators and 4 one-bed apartments on the ground floor, and 6 two-bedroom apartments on the upper floors.

The second will also be three storeys in height, with 2 home office/start-up incubators and 6 one-bedroom apartments on the ground floor, and 8 two-bedroom units on the 1st and 2nd floors.

Building 3 will comprise a single storey building dedicated solely to office spaces for start-ups.

The largest building is to be the fourth, to the rearmost area of the site, with the ground floor dedicated to an enterprise centre, and 8 two-bedroom apartments on the top two floors.

The county council refused planning permission for the development last February raising concerns about increased traffic and deficient sightlines at the main road, along with surface water drainage.

The council’s decision also said that the development was overly dense, lacked sufficient communal open space, and failed to reinforce the existing urban form of the area.

RHOC Athenry has appealed this decision to An Bord Pleanála, stating that they were not given an opportunity to address the county council’s concerns.

The appeal disputes all of these reasons, with a report from Tobin Consulting Engineers stating that the necessary sightlines onto the Caherroyn Road can be achieved with no loss of street parking, and that traffic at the access junction with be well within the road’s capacity.

It also argues that the plot density is within the guidelines of the National Planning Framework, and that Athenry is a not a small town, with a population of more than 5,000 people.

The appeal states that the 1,498m² of communal open space makes up 15.92% of the development area, and that the design provides a “high quality architecturally designed” mixed use development.

A decision on this appeal is due from An Bord Pleanála by July 25 of this year.

Garda appeal for young man missing in Galway

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March 31, 2023

Gardaí are appealing for the public’s help in locating a young Galway man missing since the middle of the week.

25 year old Shane Walsh has been missing since Wednesday, March 29, and was last seen in Portumna.

Shane is described as approximately 6ft tall, with brown shaved hair and blue eyes. When last seen he was wearing dark denim jeans, a black hoody and a navy gilet.

Shane is believed to be travelling in an 11-G registered black Ford Focus.

Gardaí and Shane’s family concerned for his well-being and are anxious to locate him.

Anyone with information on Shane’s whereabouts is asked to contact Loughrea Garda Station 091-842870, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Alcohol consumption down by over 30% in past two decades

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March 30, 2023

galway daily news Expansion plans for popular city centre pub

Provisional data released today shows that alcohol consumption in 2022 was down on pre-Covid levels, as Ireland continues to move ever closer to European consumption norms.

The pandemic saw hospitality venues close and consumption decline, but the new Revenue figures show that alcohol consumption was down by 5% last year on 2019, and by over 30% since its peak in 2001.

The data shows that beer consumption was down by 3% on 2019, wine was down by just under 3%, and cider consumption was down by 12%, while spirits sales saw an increase.

Cormac Healy, Director of Drinks Ireland, said that the latest data shows that Ireland’s consumption patterns continue to change for the better.

He said that the Government’s approach to policymaking needs to be evidence-based, and reflect the fact we are moving in the right direction when it comes to our relationship with alcohol.

“The wider trends we’re seeing in the market are that people are finding more balance in how they drink,” he said.

“This is also being driven by the growth of 0.0 products, as well as premiumisation.”

While some organisations have suggested this decline is a result of Minimum Unit Pricing, Mr Healy said that it is important to note that it is still very early days to make those conclusions.

He said that what the new data really illustrates is that the long-term trend of consumption declining has continued post-pandemic.

“It’s important to note that Ireland has some of the strictest laws and guidelines in the world when it comes to alcohol marketing and advertising, and the industry proudly has a high compliance rate to these rules.

“While some are calling for additional draconian legislation, despite the positive trends, our view is that we need continued strict adherence to existing marketing codes, targeted education and awareness and overall recognition of the trends.”

Weekend weather: Sunshine and showers forecast over coming days

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March 30, 2023

Galway Daily weather Falling temperatures and weekend rain mark weather for rest of the week

There will be a mix of sunshine and clouds with some showers across the West over the coming days, with the weather to vary from hour to hour over the weekend.

Friday will start dull and damp with outbreaks of rain and drizzle but it will brighten up in western parts of the county later in the afternoon with some sunshine.

It will remain cloudy further east, with rain and drizzle forecast.

Top temperatures tomorrow will be between 10 and 13 degrees in moderate to fresh west to northwest winds.

Saturday will see brighter and drier intervals across the West with just some scattered showers and high temperatures of 8 to 11 degrees.

Met Éireann has said that it will be breezy on Saturday though, with moderate to fresh winds across Connacht, and Saturday night will be dry with clear intervals.

Sunday looks set to be more cloudy, although some sunny breaks will occur.

Most areas will have a dry day with just isolated light showers.

Highs of 10 to 13 degrees in light variable breezes are forecast. It will be mostly cloudy on Sunday night with patchy rain and drizzle developing in Galway.

Emergency services at scene of road traffic collision, motoriest should expect delays

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March 30, 2023

Gardaí are currently at the scene of a road traffic collision that occurred at approximately 1.10pm on the N83, Curraghline in County Galway.

The road is currently closed and local diversions are in place.

Gardaí say delays in the area are expected.

More to follow…

Galway GAA star opens up about facing adversity in candid conversation

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March 30, 2023

galway daily news galway gaa star shane walsh with audi for a new podcast

Galway GAA star Shane Walsh has opened up about the challenges of his high-profile transfer to Kilmacud Crokes in Dublin in the latest Driving Progress podcast.

Walsh sat down with host Sonya Lennon for an episode of Driving Progress, a podcast series by Audi, and talked about dealing with adversity and the importance of imagination and visualisation on the GAA field.

In a profound conversation, Walsh spoke candidly about a turbulent past 12 months as he made the decision to move from his home club to a Dublin club, describing it as the “toughest experience” he has had in his life.

Shane said his patience and persistence were key characteristics in helping him drive through adversity and achieve an All-Ireland Senior Club Football Championship win with Kilmacud Crokes soon after his arrival with the team.

Host Sonya Lennon delved into Shane’s creative style of play, which he described as “performing magic on the field”, and which he attributes to the early influences of his national school teacher and current Galway manager Pádraic Joyce and coach Cian O’Neill.

Listen to the full interview here.

Series two of Driving Progress, a podcast series by Audi is hosted by Irish fashion stylist and TV presenter Sonya Lennon.

It features four episodes with four acclaimed Irish individuals at the very top of their game, with Sonya guiding candid conversations focusing on themes of progress, creativity, ambition and attitude.

“Game changing” changes to vacant home refurbishment scheme welcomed

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March 30, 2023

galway daily news vacant home refurbishment scheme

Local TD Seán Canney has described changes to the Croí Cónaithe Vacant Home Refurbishment Scheme as “a game changer” for getting rid of derelict sites and delivering homes across the country.

The scheme has been extended to include vacant houses that can be rented out, which the Galway East TD said will increase supply for people seeking rental accommodation.

He also welcomed the expansion of the grant scheme to include vacant houses built up until 2007, which he believes will immediately increase the number of homes coming back into use for first time buyers and for people seeking to rent a home.

“It is widely accepted that the level of grant assistance available needs to be increased to ensure that the refurbishment of vacant properties is a viable proposition for owners,” the Independent TD said.

“This is backed up by the Society of Chartered Surveyors recent case study which demonstrates that the funding needs to be increased from the present maximum of €30,000 for vacant homes and €50,000 for derelict properties.

“In this regard, I welcome the Government’s commitment to increase the level of funding to take account of inflation in the construction industry since the scheme was introduced.”

Important step for workers’ rights as work-life balance Bill passed

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March 30, 2023

businesses online galway daily scheme website

A Bill which gives new rights to employees and employers to support a better work-life balance has passed all stages in the Oireachtas.

The Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2022 aims to give workers and employers a better balance of family life, work life and caring responsibilities.

The Bill aims to support those who are victims of domestic violence through the introduction of a statutory paid leave entitlement of five days.

It introduces five days unpaid leave for medical care purposes for carers, and parents of children under 12.

It also includes five days paid leave for victims of domestic violence, and the right to request flexible working for parents and carers.

All employees will be given the right to request remote working, and mothers will be given two years of breastfeeding breaks.

Minister Roderic O’Gorman said that the Bill represents a ‘significant advance’ in workers’ rights in Ireland.

The Work Life Balance Bill has just passed.✅

This new law significantly improves workers' rights in Ireland, by supporting employees to better balance their family life, work life & caring responsibilities.

It also introduces 5 days paid leave for victims of domestic violence. pic.twitter.com/7hmvyKdiig

— Roderic O’Gorman TD (@rodericogorman) March 29, 2023

“It recognises the importance of family life and an improved quality of life for all workers, by supporting employees to achieve a better balance between their home lives and work lives,” he said.

“The passing of this Bill introduces a statutory entitlement to carer’s leave, the right to request flexible and remote working, and makes breastfeeding breaks a reality for women returning to work from maternity leave.”

He said that the introduction of domestic violence leave under this Bill is particularly important.

“Ireland is one of the first countries to introduce statutory domestic violence leave and I believe that this will make a real and meaningful difference for victims of domestic violence.

“Crucially, it will support those who are victims of domestic violence to leave abusive relationships. This leave was an important commitment in the Programme for Government and I hope it will lead to greater awareness of domestic violence in all its forms.”

Letter | AR6 report must serve as alarm to tackle climate crisis

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March 30, 2023

Galway Daily news Community Climate Action public information evenings in Galway City

Dear Editor,

The release of the AR6 report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) should serve as an alarm for all to act on climate change.

Since the industrial revolution, primarily anthropogenic greenhouse gases have increased the earth’s average temperature by 1.1°C.

This average warming will lead to more adverse storms, higher flooding risk, longer droughts, species loss, and more.

Profound changes have been made to our oceans, freshwater, air, biodiversity, and human health. We have lost 70% of wildlife species since 1970 – referred to as the windshield phenomenon.

99% of the world’s population breathes air which breaches the World Health Organization’s guidelines for air quality, including Galway, Limerick, and Dublin.

Microplastics have now been found in newborns, showcasing that even the womb is unsafe now.

95% of youth are worried about the future, with eco-anxiety affecting the generations who have experienced only the warmest years of their lives so far.

The coming decades will at the very minimum deliver a climate unseen by their parents, grandparents, and the entirety of the previous human populations.

This is not just affecting distant lands and specific ecosystems – this affects all people, everywhere.

Climate change is impacting Ireland and will continue to do so. That said, marginalised and oppressed communities will experience adverse effects of climate change. Unhoused people, people of colour, trans people, are all at greater risk due to climate impacts.

We need a strategy for rapid decarbonisation and climate justice in Ireland and around the world. This radical action will not come from governments who water-down windfall taxes on fossil fuel companies after lobbying.

This cannot come from governments who have allowed Ireland’s emissions to rise year-on-year, or governments who do not deliver on retrofitting targets.

This must come through community solidarity and action. Working collaboratively to ensure everyone is housed, fed, warm, and safe is of the utmost priority.

Community gardens can produce local food on a greater scale, parents and guardians are already working to create safer cycling infrastructure and demanding better public transport, local residents are striving to deliver renewable energy to homes in their area.

Whilst individual impacts on the climate are small, individuals form societies which can host transformative impacts.

The time to act is now.

Criodán Ó Murchú
Peterswell, Galway

Legendary Galway Girl composer to headline Galway Folk Festival

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March 30, 2023

galway daily news steve earle galway girl composer

World-famous ‘The Galway Girl’ composer Steve Earle has been announced as the headline act for the Galway Folk Festival on 13 June.

Known for his soulful storytelling, the multi Grammy award-winning artist has been captivating audiences for over 30 years.

The Galway Folk Festival, taking place between 13 and 18 June this year, is a celebration of traditional and contemporary folk music, showcasing some of the finest musicians at home and abroad.

“We are expecting a huge turnout for this year’s festival, and Steve Earle’s gig is sure to be one of the highlights,” said festival organiser Peter O’Sullivan of Monroe’s Live.

“We can’t wait to welcome music lovers from around the world to Galway for what promises to be a truly unforgettable experience.”

A protégé of songwriters Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clake, Earle’s songs have been recorded by artists of such calibre as Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Joan Baez, Emmylou Harris and The Pretenders.

The prolific writer, actor and producer is renowned for his masterful storytelling, captivating audiences on screen, off Broadway and becoming the voice of a generation.

Through his words and lyrical prowess, he has received critical acclaim as an author, songwriter and composer. Nominated for a Primetime Emmy in 2010 for his work on the drama series Treme, he has since been inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

His 2020 album ‘Ghosts of West Virginia’ was recognised by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the top 50 of the year.

Recorded with legendary musician Sharon Shannon, Earle’s iconic song ‘The Galway Girl’ has earned him a place in Irish music history, carving a unique bond between the artist and the west of Ireland.

Follow-on covers by Mundy and Ed Sheeran have reignited the original work for future generations, becoming the eighth highest selling single of all time in the Irish charts.

The semi-autobiographical tale of the songwriter’s reaction to a striking black-haired, blue-eyed girl he meets in Galway includes local references to Salthill and The Long Walk.

Now, fans of Earle have the opportunity to catch the singer on home soil as he brings his solo and acoustic ‘Alone Again’ tour to the historic Seapoint ballroom for the Galway Folk Festival 2023.

“We are thrilled to have Steve Earle perform at the Galway Folk Festival 2023,” added Peter O’Sullivan.

“His music is a perfect fit for our festival, which celebrates the rich history and diversity of folk music.”

Tickets for Steve Earle’s performance at the Seapoint ballroom in Salthill, supported by Roseanne Reid, on Tuesday, June 13 go on sale this Friday, March 31, and can be purchased at www.galwayfolkfestival.ie and www.tickets.ie.

The full line up for the Galway Folk Festival will be announced on April 14. Early booking is advised.

Additional capacity added to Gort – Galway bus services

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March 29, 2023

Galway Daily news school transport deadline 2023

Additional bus services for Gort, Kinvara, Ballinderreen, Kilcolgan and Clarinbridge have been brought in by Bus Eireann this month.

Deputy Ciarán Cannon said that Bus Eireann have added an additional bus on the Route 434 7:30am service from Gort to Galway City.

Funding for the additional bus came from the National Transport Authority to provide more capacity during the college year.

The number of people using the service will be assessed at the end of this college year.

“This is a most welcome development and I’m very grateful to Bus Éireann and the National Transport Authority for their support in providing this additional capacity,” Ciarán Cannon said.

“We will now have 100 seats available on the 7.30am service out of Gort every weekday morning and this should be sufficient to serve the needs of the town and all of the intervening stops between Gort and Galway city.”

“It’s vital that the service is supported by the public so that we can continue developing better public transport options in our local towns.”

On top of this, Deputy Cannon said that Bus Eireann has also been allocated funding to add more capacity on Route 350 between Ennis and Galway City, which stops at Kinvara, Ballinderreen, Kilcolgan and Clarinbridge.

“This is one of the busiest routes into Galway city during the tourist season and this additional capacity is badly needed.”

House prices in Galway City fell in first three months of 2023

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March 29, 2023

Galway Daily news House prices in Galway City fell in first three months of 2023

House prices in Galway City fell in the first three months of this year, but they continued to rise in the county.

The latest Daft.ie report shows that the average cost of a house in Galway City is now €345,880, a 1.5% quarterly drop, by still up 2.5% year-on-year.

In Galway County prices have continued to rise this year, with the average price in Q1 2023 up 0.3% to €259,940. Year-on-year prices have also risen by 5% in the county.

Nationwide, house prices fell by 0.3% in the first three months of this year, the first Q1 drop in prices since 2013.

The supply of housing also increased in the west of Ireland according to the Daft report, with 2,700 homes on the market in Connacht/Ulster at the start of March, 33% higher than the same period last year.

Economist Ronan Lyons said, “With demand weakening, prices should fall this year. The other side of the equation, however, is supply.”

“The stock of homes available to buy is indeed higher than it was a year ago – 13,000 compared to 10,000 – but that is still barely half the level of supply that prevailed before COVID-19.’’

He added prices were rising as expected in 2022, but changing conditions such as the rise in inflation and interest rates have “completely altered conditions in the market” from the second half of the year on.

Oscar winning An Irish Goodbye star wins Outstanding Newcomer at RTS Ireland Television Awards in Galway

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March 29, 2023