Thousands of students to descend on Galway for University open day

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March 16, 2023

galway daily news claire kerrane at dáil child maintenance

Roscommon-Galway TD Claire Kerrane has warned the government to avoid changing the payment model for EmployAbility.

Teachta Kerrane made the call ahead of a tender process which is due to be published in April.

The process will see EmployAbility service contracts put out to tender, in a similar way to the tendering of Local Employment Services (LES) and Job Clubs services over the past two years.

EmployAbility services provide sustainable employment opportunities for people with a long term illness, injury or disability and support them into that employment.

Deputy Kerrane said that the details of the tender process and any proposed changes to the current service are not yet known.

The Sinn Féin TD said that it is crucial that Minister Heather Humphreys’ Department “learns lessons from the previous tender process” which she says saw employment services dismantled and the commodification of people seeking employment.

Her party stood against the privatisation of those employment services, and Deputy Kerrane said they will continue to oppose a payment by results model for job activation and employment supports.

“In particular, EmployAbility services support people with longer-term illness, injury and disabilities, and it is simply not appropriate to implement a model which seeks to place them in any job role, which payment by results is all about.

“These are some of our most vulnerable citizens. The community-based, wrap-around services that EmployAbility provides across the State offer must be protected as part of the forthcoming tender process.”

Works begin at Merlin Park Hospital’s new outpatients department

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March 16, 2023

galway daily news merlin park hospital outpatient department

Galway University Hospitals has said that construction of the new outpatients department at Merlin Park Hospital is now underway, with the first phase of the works costing €15.5m.

The development will include a two-storey Outpatients Department (OPD) with parking spaces, bicycle parking, pedestrian footpaths, lighting, and associated signage and landscaping.

The new building will assist in meeting service demands and will provide an improved environment for patients and staff along with dedicated areas for virtual clinics.

It will also allow for some of UHG’s outpatient clinics to be relocated.

Hospital Manager, Chris Kane, said that they are delighted to be progressing this essential project which will “greatly enhance local access to non-acute patient care” in the region.

She said that the first phase of this OPD project is part of a “major capital scheme for Galway University Hospitals”, and they will be “seeking further funding for a second phase to facilitate additional clinical space.”

The development is part of a wider development plan currently being progressed for GUH, where there is a bed capacity deficit of 222 beds.

The Saolta Group and GUH have identified and are currently progressing a number of priority capital projects which are necessary to address capacity issues on site.

These are: a new permanent Emergency Department and Women and Children’s Block; a replacement laboratory department; a ward block and Cancer Centre; and an elective hospital for the region.

GRD delivers equipment across east Galway under loan scheme

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March 16, 2023

galway daily news Loan Equipment Support Scheme in eastgalway — Some of the Galway Rural Development team: Anne Cassidy (SICAP Senior Manager), Steve Dolan (CEO), Sean Broderick (Tús/RSS Senior Manager), Mary Claire Brennan (Admin Senior Manager), Caoimhe Daly (Special Projects), and Catherine Williamson (Tús/RSS).

Galway Rural Development (GRD) has begun delivering equipment around east Galway as part of its 2023 Loan Equipment Support Scheme.

The scheme allows groups to apply to borrow everything from lawnmowers to cement-mixers to assist them in their community work.

GRD has provided community groups with long-term loans of horticultural tools, laptops, printers and other equipment such as sewing machines and air purifiers.

Last year, GRD also bought a new van for use by their Tús and RSS teams to complete deliveries of equipment and other supports between community groups.

This has provided communities with valuable long-term loans of equipment and the means to better share resources.

Over the course of 2023, GRD also plans to support communities in becoming more sustainable.

They confirmed Mountbellew as Connacht’s first ‘People’s Transition’ town an initiative led by TASC and supported by Mountbellew Smart Villages.

Sean Broderick, Senior Manager of the Tús and Rural Social Schemes (RSS), said they are all too aware that community groups have been feeling the pinch in this cost of living crisis, and the demand for extra support is growing.

“While we obviously can’t agree to every request, and there is a waiting period, we have already made a huge difference and I want to thank my colleague Anne Cassidy, the SICAP Senior Manager, and the LCDC for backing this endeavour,” he said.

Senior Manager of the SICAP team, Dr Anne Cassidy, added: “We know that even small assistance, like through the loan equipment fund, can make all the difference in helping community groups.

“We’re proud to have led the way in the country on this and to have made such a difference on the ground.”

Hospital overcrowding out of control ahead of extremely busy weekend

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March 15, 2023

The general secretary of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) Phil Ní Sheaghdha has said that hospital overcrowding is out of control once again ahead of an extremely busy weekend.

She said that the level of overcrowding in some of our emergency departments warrants a national response. A total of 651 patients are without beds in Irish hospitals today according to the union.

Fifty-two of those patients are on trolleys at University Hospital Galway, while 12 patients are without beds at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe.

Meanwhile, the chaos at University Hospital Limerick continues with some 116 people on trolleys.

Ms Ní Sheaghdha said the INMO has been in contact with the new Chief Executive Officer of the Health Service Executive seeking an urgent meeting in the next 24 hours ahead of “an extremely busy bank holiday weekend for our members.”

“It is clear that the system is now completely overwhelmed. We need targeted measures to tackle this crisis, particularly in the Midwest where the overcrowding is completely out of hand.”

Call for govt to build trust with farmers on designations

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March 15, 2023

Galway Daily news Farmers getting €13.4 million basic payment scheme refunds

Local TD Seán Canney has called on the Government to build trust with farmers where land is designated for up to 26 years.

Canney, along with TDs Denis Naughten and Carol Nolan recently met Minister Malcolm Noonan and an IFA team to try to instil a sense of urgency and commitment to put a long-term model in place.

The Minister expressed the view that permanent funding is required and confirmed that he is working towards this.

It is expected that a permanent funding model will be in place within two years.

IFA representatives, Pat Murphy, chair of the project team for Designation, and Charlie Killeen, a long-time campaigner, expressed concern that there were two agreements already in place which were never honoured.

In conclusion the Minister vowed to work with farmers and welcomed the fact that the IFA had a dedicated Project Team that the Department can work with.

“There is a lot of work to be done yet and a lot of trust to be built and the onus is on the Minister and Government to demonstrate that the day of false promises are over and direct supports will be provided to farmers with designated lands especially along the Shannon callows,” said Deputy Canney.

Gardaí called 139 times to River Corrib in past 6 years

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March 15, 2023

Galway Daily news Claddagh Watch extending patrol efforts for Rag Week

Gardaí have been called 139 times over the past six years to the River Corrib in Galway responding to persons entering, or attempting to enter, the water.

Data released to Aontú by the Minister for Justice shows that in the first 11 months of 2022, Gardaí were called to the river 30 times.

Responding to the statistics, Aontú’s representative for Tuam, Luke Silke, said that he is “doubtful about the accuracy of these statistics” as it seems to be “very difficult to extract accurate data” from the Garda Pulse system.

He called on the government to look into this, because he said the issue is difficult to resolve unless there is a proper way of quantifying the problem.

Mr Silke volunteers with Claddagh Watch which patrols the rivers and bridges of Galway city at night seeking to prevent people from entering the water.

He said that since July 2019, the group has been involved in 387 incidents where blue light services have been involved.

“Sixteen of these incidents related to people in the water. Volunteers in Galway have given over 12,300 hours of their time across 408 patrols.

“It is truly phenomenal that the founders of the organisation – Arthur and Deborah Carr – can say that we’ve never lost anyone to the water on any night that we’ve been out. There can be no doubt that these patrols are saving countless lives in this county.

“If anyone out there can offer support or wishes to volunteer I would urge them to contact the group ‘Claddagh Watch Patrol’ on Facebook.”

Silke said that the blue light services have been fantastic, and “one cannot but be struck by the speed with which they respond to an emergency call.”

“We in Aontú are of the view that the Garda pulse system needs updating, and we need a proper method of measuring this problem in Galway.

“The statistics as extracted from the pulse system are an underestimate when compared with the data compiled by Claddagh Watch Patrol.

“Galway is a wonderful city to live, work or study in, but we do have a fierce amount of water flowing through the town. I would urge people – especially over the St Patrick’s Day weekend to look out for one another, to stay safe and to stay together.”

Galway PhDs to protest over low pay and poor work conditions

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March 15, 2023

PhD researchers in University of Galway are set to protest again over low pay and poor working conditions.

PhDs will assemble at 11am on Thursday, 23 March outside the University’s library, coinciding with a demonstration outside the Dáil.

The latest demo follows a number of protests in 2022 across the country as PhDs looked to secure better pay for their work.

PhD researchers in University of Galway earn, on average, below €18,500 a year – far below the minimum wage and living wages in Ireland and only marginally above the poverty line.

The Postgraduate Workers Organisation Galway (PWO) submitted responses this week to the consultation questions of a national review of state supports for PhD researchers.

PWO Galway presented a full submission to the national review, calling for worker status across Irish universities, being paid a living wage, and receiving equal pay for equal work.

Postgraduate Workers Organisation (PWO) of Ireland emerged as Postgraduate Workers Unions across the country joined forces to collectively work for PhD rights.

A spokesperson for PWO Galway explained why this new union emerged, saying that whilst consultation with the Department of Higher Education and Training is ongoing, the national review has so far failed to prioritise the voices of the PhD community.

“The Department should ensure that the national review involves a process of serious and genuine consultation of the PhD researcher community, including by meeting directly with PhD researchers across Irish universities, including at the University of Galway, organising roundtable discussions with us, and listening to our growing needs and concerns.”

The best young talents from Ireland in 2023

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Angela Mc Bride

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March 15, 2023

The best young talents from Ireland in 2023

As far as footballing countries go, the Republic of Ireland is one of the standouts.

This is not just because of its closeness to the spiritual home of the people’s game, the United Kingdom (made up of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland), but because it is one of the first nations to form a national team for the sport.

Based on Overlyzer’s live football trends, here are the best young talents from Ireland.

Justin Ferizaj

18-year-old Justin Ferizaj is currently the hottest prospect in Irish football.

Having already made his senior debut with Irish club Shamrock Rovers, the Republic of Ireland under-19 midfielder has been described as having ability way beyond his age. Scouts from the biggest clubs have taken notice and he is now being linked with a move to England or across the continent of Europe.

He is of Albanian descent and has also caught the eye of the Albanian Football Association. Better yet, the immediate past President of Albania, Ilir Meta, is a big fan of the player and has praised him many times.

The Irish football governing body may not find it difficult convincing Ferizaj to pledge his senior allegiance to the boys in green, but with Albania now paying close attention, they will surely be working hard to secure his future with them.

Gavin Bazunu

At 21, the 1.89 metres tall (6 feet 2 inches) Southampton goalkeeper is already giving Caoimhín Kelleher (Liverpool, 24) and Mark Travers (Bournemouth, 23) a run for their money to be Ireland’s first choice goalkeeper.

First, he proved to be better than Fraser Forster at Southampton, forcing the Englishman to move on to another club (Tottenham Hotspur), and then he kept Alex McCarthy far from the starting lineup at the Premier League club to officially become the number 1.

Alongside Kelleher and Travers, he is making the Republic of Ireland stronger defensively, giving head coach Stephen Kenny a lot to think about whenever he wants to pick a starting XI.

At 21, he can serve the nation for quite some time and help them become a team that Irish football fans can be proud of in the coming years.

Evan Ferguson

These days, being able to play for Brighton and Hove Albion means you are one of the best around.

The Seagulls have established themselves as scouting geniuses in recent years. From Moises Caicedo to Jakub Moder, to Alexis Mac Allister and Kaoru Mitoma, the Premier League side have spent little to bring in quality that has made them as string as the big-spending big six of the English top flight.

After making his senior debut at 14 years old for Bohemians in the League of Ireland, Brighton went to war with Liverpool for the striker and won in 2021, sending him to their academy for a further year of development.

Less than a year later, in 2022, he was in their Premier League matchday squad and on his 18th birthday, he signed his professional contract with the club. He is now a key cog in Roberto De Zerbi’s machine as they march on slowly to a top six finish in the ongoing season.

The striker has only two caps for the boys in green which means he is open to switching to England, seeing as he has ties to the country from his mother’s side. The Irish football governing body will be working hard to keep him from switching.

Nathan Collins

The giant 1.93-metre (6 feet 4 inches) centreback is grabbing all the attention in the Premier League.

After impressing as a teenage centreback for Stoke City between 2019 and 2021, Burnley snapped him up for the 2021/22 Premier League season. He made 19 appearances for the Clarets before their relegation.

This was enough to get the other mid-table teams interested and Wolverhampton Wanderers beat the others to his signature. 18 appearances later, Collins is looking like a steal and one who could move on to a bigger club.

He is already one of Stephen Kenny’s most trusted players in the Ireland national team and has even been touted as a future captain. In that regard, the 21-year-old could look to Christian Pulisic of the United States Men’s National team and Martin Ødegaard of Norway.

Collins is also the highest valued player of Irish origin, with his current transfer value of €22 million.

Troy Parrott

The 21-year-old is currently on loan at Preston North End in the EFL Championship from Tottenham Hotspur where he spent the final years of his developmental stages.

Spurs believe so much in him that they have refused to move him on, sending him on loan to various clubs so that he can get playing time.

He is a player who is still waiting to stake a claim to being a Republic of Ireland stalwart but after his spell at Milton Keynes Dons, his game has greatly improved and he has carried that form to Preston North End, where he is being watched by other clubs and by Spurs for a possible reintegration into their side.

He is also in contention for a return to the Ireland national team squad thanks to his rapid improvement.

Galway groups urged to enter National Lottery Good Causes Awards

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March 15, 2023

The National Lottery is urging beneficiaries of Good Causes funding to apply for the 2023 awards, where a €35,000 prize is up for grabs.

The awards celebrate the inspiring work and achievements of thousands of projects, clubs and individuals all over Ireland.

Thise groups whcih have had an extraordinary impact on their local communities through their work.

Last year’s awards saw winners including Gaillimh le Gaeilge, a non-profit organisation founded 30 years ago with the aim of promoting the Irish language in Galway city.

They do this by providing their services free of charge to business communities and to the people of Galway to encourage them to use the language.

It was this amazing work that secured them the overall Irish language awards at last year’s Good Causes Awards 2022.

Individuals, community projects and organisations who received Good Causes funding between the years 2018 and 2022 are eligible to apply.

Applications for the Awards are now open and beneficiaries can check eligibility and enter at http://www.lottery.ie/goodcausesawards.

The closing date for applications is March 31st.

The Awards will have seven categories which are:

• Sport

• Health and Wellbeing

• Arts & Culture

• Heritage

• Community

• Youth

• Irish Language

A special category, ‘Hero of the Year’, will also be announced at the Awards final, in recognition of outstanding work done by an individual within an organisation and will receive a prize of €5,000.

Each category winner will receive €10,000 while the overall Good Cause of the Year will receive an additional €25,000.

This year’s National Lottery’s Good Causes Awards ceremony will take place on Saturday, October 21 in Killashee House Hotel in Naas, Co. Kildare.

Come see for yourself what’s brewing at Galway Hooker

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March 15, 2023

Get an up close look at where the magic is made at Galway Hooker Craft Brewing Company with their new brewery tours starting this week.

Getting underway this Thursday, March 16 visitors can get an up close look at what goes into making Galway Hooker’s award winning family of beers.

The brewery, which takes its name from Galway’s iconic boats, is located in the coastal town of Oranmore, providing a scenic setting for what promises to be a fun and interesting experience.

Groups can visit Connacht’s oldest existing brewery as they are taken on a guided journey to hear all about the origin story behind Galway Hooker, right through to the specialised methods and four natural ingredients they use to create their family of beers.

Participants will learn all about how Galway Hooker came to be, the various beers it makes, the craftsmanship involved in transforming a beer idea into reality, and more.

Plus, they will get to experience and taste for themselves the many beers offered by Galway Hooker, including The Original Irish Pale Ale, 60 Knots IPA, Organic Pilsner, and their Honey Beer.

“I’m really looking forward to welcoming people to our brewery in Oranmore,” said Galway Hooker co-founder Aidan Murphy.

“For 17 years now, we’ve been brewing our beers in Galway, and it will be fantastic to open our doors to groups. Welcoming people in to hear how we do it all will be a lot of fun.”

“Everyone will be able to see our brewing floor, hear how we came to be, and – most importantly of all – taste some of the quality beers we brew right here on site.”

“It’s a great way to spend a day out with a big group of mates,” Aidan added.

These tours offer an ideal way for hens, stags, large groups, and more to savour some of the brewery’s distinctive offerings.

Group bookings of between 10 and 40 people are welcome to experience what it’s like to spend an hour in a high-production brewery.

It’s a fantastic way for groups to enjoy Galway Hooker’s core group of beers, plus the tour will also give customers the chance to savour new additions as they are introduced, such as seasonal craft brews and other drinks.

Galway Hooker is part of the Connacht Hospitality Group, and the team has been brewing something special since 2006 when the brewery was originally founded.

What started with a conversation in a pub between two friends has grown into a big success story over the years, and Galway Hooker’s team is always seeking new ways to add to the story with new brews and interesting ideas.

To discover more about Galway Hooker’s tours, why not visit the information page which includes everything you need to know – including how to book.

Best of Irish television to be celebrated at RTS Awards in Galway

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March 15, 2023

Galway Daily news Annual BiG BANG networking event taking place in Galway City — The Galmont Hotel

The best of Irish television will be celebrated in Galway this month at the annual RTS Ireland Television Awards.

The RTS Ireland Television Awards seek to recognise Irish productions and international co-productions which are considered by peer jury members to have made a positive contribution worthy of acclaim by the industry and Irish viewers.

Juries considered over 130 entries from across the industry, and have narrowed down the list of nominations for 10 categories.

Caitlín Nic Aoidh and Cormac Ó hEadhra with special guests will announce winners at a gala event in the Galmont Hotel in Galway on March 28.

RTS Ireland Awards Chairperson Lís Ní Dhálaigh said, “TG4 is delighted to host the RTS awards this year, and we look forward to welcoming producers and programme teams to Galway, a thriving hub for the screen industry in Ireland.”

“The awards are supported by Irish broadcasters TG4, Virgin Media, Sky and RTÉ. The awards are kindly sponsored by Screen Ireland, BAI and Screen Producers Ireland.”

“Category sponsors include Nemeton TV, Egg Post Production, Screenscene, Ardán, IMRO, Piranah Bar, Camerakit Ireland, Windmill Lane and TVM.”

The full list of nominees for this year’s awards is:

1 – THE NOMINEES | DRAMA | with thanks to Screen Ireland

Doineann, DoubleBand Films (TG4)
Every Five Miles, Vico Films (RTÉ)
Holding, Happy Prince, Port Pictures (Virgin Media)
Redemption, Metropolitan Films (Virgin Media)
Smother, Treasure Entertainment (RTÉ)

2 – THE NOMINEES | ENTERTAINMENT | with thanks to Piranha Bar

Callan Kicks the Year, Wonky Chair Media, (RTÉ)
Cumasc: Seisiúin sa Black Gate, Black Gate Productions (TG4)
Dancing with the Stars, ShinAwiL (RTÉ)
Free Gaff, Green Inc Film & Television (RTÉ)
The Ultimate Irish Playlist, ShinAwiL (RTÉ)

3 – THE NOMINEES | FACTUAL SERIES | with thanks to Egg Post Production

Cois Móire, Cormorant Films (TG4)
Crimes and Confessions (RTÉ)
An Diabhal Inti, Lagan Media Productions (TG4)
Great Lighthouses of Ireland, Inproduction TV (RTÉ)

4 – THE NOMINEES | FACTUAL SINGLE | with thanks to Nemeton TV

Cyril Cusack: Lár An Stáitse, Dearg Films (TG4)
Speechless, Firebrand Productions (RTÉ)
The Ghost of Richard Harris, Bright Yellow Films, Samson Films, Groove International (Sky Arts)
Young Plato, Soilsiu Films, Aisling Productions, Clin d’Oeil Films and Zadig Productions (RTÉ)

5 – THE NOMINEES | SPORT | with thanks to TVM

Anton O’Toole – Finscéal de Shaol GAA, Bankos Tales Productions (TG4)
The Connacht Way, Motherland (RTÉ)
Laochra Gael – Terence McNaughton, Nemeton TV (TG4)
Munster Vs South Africa A (Virgin Media Television)
Saipan – Rebel without a Ball, (RTÉ)

6 – THE NOMINEES | NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS | with thanks to Camerakit.ie

The Accountant, the Con, the Lies (RTÉ)
The Death of Ashling Murphy (Virgin Media News)
Eden Heaslip (RTÉ)
RTÉ Investigates: Missing Pieces (RTÉ)
Tragedy in Creeslough (Sky News)

7 – THE NOMINEES | ANIMATION | with thanks to Windmill Lane

Boy Girl Dog Cat Mouse Cheese, Kavaleer Productions, Watch Next Media, Cloud Co (RTÉ)
Fia’s Fairies, Little Moon Animation (RTÉjr)
The Ghastly Ghoul, Dream Logic Animation Studios and Lupus Films (RTÉ)
Kiva Can Do, Kavaleer Productions (RTÉ)
The Presenter, Cardel Entertainment (RTÉ)

8 – THE NOMINEES | SPECIALIST FACTUAL| with thanks to Ardán

An Buachaill Gealgháireach, Imagine Media (TG4)
Francis Bacon, The Outsider, Mount Venus Productions (RTÉ)
Ireland’s Dirty Laundry, New Decade TV (RTÉ & ARTE)
Maeve Binchy: The Magic of the Ordinary (RTÉ)
A Note for Nature, Crossing the Line Films (RTÉ)

9 – THE NOMINEES | CHILDREN’S PROGRAMME | with thanks to IMRO

Blast from the Past, Firebrand Productions (RTÉ)
Dizzy Deliveries, Macalla Teoranta (RTÉ)
Ireland’s Future is Mine, Tamber Media & Reverist (RTÉ)
The Imagination Machine, Firebrand Productions (RTÉ)
Storybud, Kite Entertainment (RTÉ)

10 – THE NOMINEES | FACTUAL ENTERTAINMENT | with thanks to Screenscene

Bagatelle – Ómós do Liam Reilly, Four Quadrant Films (TG4)
Generation Dating, Coco Content (Virgin Media)
Gogglebox Ireland, Kite Entertainment (Virgin Media)
Lucy Investigates, ADARE Productions (Virgin Media One)
Secrets from the Showroom (RTÉ)

Plans submitted for demolition of former UHG Emergency Department

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March 15, 2023

Planning permission is being sought to demolish the former emergency department building at UHG in order to clear the ground for the new one.

The Health Service Executive has submitted and application to the county council to demolish temporary prefab buildings which had been used for out patient services.

The HSE also intends to knock two permanent single storey buildings, one of which was used for the former emergency department, and the other of which held ancillary services.

This is to clear the site for the planned construction of a new permanent Emergency Department and Women’s and Children’s Department.

University Hospital Galway moved the emergency department to a new location at the front of the hospital last October to vacate this area.

“Notwithstanding the requirement to remove the buildings to clear the site, the greater part of the buildings have reached the end of their useful life,” the Architectural Statement submitted with the application states.

“There are also significant infrastructural problems associated with them, particularly foul drainage. The buildings have been built over the existing foul drainage system and parts of it are inaccessible.”

It states that there ongoing maintenance problems in this area, resulting in foul odours and blockages in the system.

“Reinstatement works comprise blocking up openings which previously formed links between the hospital main block and the buildings to be removed, reinstating roads and footpaths to a safe condition and temporary surfacing of the site.”

The site will also need to be fenced off after demolition is completed for underground site and services investigations to be carried out before the new Emergency Department is built.

A decision on this planning application is due from Galway County Council by May 3 of this year.

Notwithstanding these demolition works, it will be some time before the new permanent emergency department is built, with the project not expected to be delivered until 2027 at the earliest.

Council investigating after sheep and lambs injured or missing in suspected dog attack

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March 15, 2023

Galway daily news sheep killed in serious animal attacks

Galway County Council has warned farmers to be on the lookout for dog attacks after a suspected sheep worrying incident has left several animals unaccounted for.

The council’s Dog Warden is currently investigating a suspected sheep worrying incident which occurred in Deerpark, Kilchreest last Sunday.

A number of ewes and lambs were injured in the incident, and several lambs remain unaccounted for.

“We are asking that farmers in the area be particularly vigilant against the threat of dog attacks on livestock at this time,” the council said.

The council also issued a reminder that it is the legal responsibility of dog owners to ensure that their dogs are under effective control at all time.

“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.”

“If you witness an incident of sheep worrying or damage to livestock in Galway County, please report it immediately to Galway County Council and (An Garda Siochana).”

“It is important that all incidents be reported as soon as possible following the incident; Tel: 091-509510 Email, dogwardens@galwaycoco.ie”.

Galway City streets being closed this summer to help pubs and restaurants with outdoor dining

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March 14, 2023

Galway Daily news Pedestrianising of city streets

Galway City Council has issued notification of its plans to pedestrianise a number of streets around the city to encourage outdoor dining this summer.

The council intends to provide space for outdoor dining, festivals, and other events for a period of five months this year.

The pedestrianisation would cover the summer period, starting on Friday, April 28 and lasting until Sunday, October 1.

Some of the roads will only be closed during the evening times, while others would be shut to traffic 24/7.

Dominick Street Upper, between the junctions with William Street and the bridge, would be closed from 6pm to 11pm each evening.

Raven’s Terrace in the westend will be shut from 6pm to 11pm each evening, as will William Street West, between Small Crane and Munster Avenue.

The Small Crane, between William Street West and the New Street West junction, will be pedestrianised permanently during the summer months.

And lastly, the outbound lane of Woodquay Street, between Daly’s Place and the Headford Road, would also be shut to traffic 24/7.

The pedestrianisation of many city centre streets was an initiative that began during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing more space for safer outdoor areas, during lockdown, and to help them as restrictions eased.

One of those changes, Cross Street in the city centre, was made permanent year round back in 2021 after changes were made to the city’s traffic flow.

Diversion signage will be in place for motorists during the summer, and local access will be maintained where needed.

Maps and documents related to the planned closures can be found on the council website or at city hall.

Submissions or objections related to the plans can be made in writing or by email roads@galwaycity.ie until 12pm on March 31.

Planning refused for Oranmore apartments near shopping centre

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March 14, 2023

Galway Daily news Green light for Oranmore housing development by Shopping Centre

Galway County Council has refused planning permission for an apartment and duplex development near Oranmore Town Centre Shopping Centre.

The application, by Kenny Developments Contracting Limited, was to build two three storey residential buildings on a site at Millplot, Oranmore, on the Station Road.

The plans were for 4 ground floor, two-bed units; 3 ground floor, one-bed apartments; and 7 three-bed duplex units.

A derelict detached house and sheds which are currently on the site were to be demolished.

The county council gave four reasons for refusing planning permission, noting that the site is within an identified flood risk area.

The council’s decision said that, based on the information submitted, that it was not satisfied that the site, or portions of it, would not be susceptible to flooding in the future.

Concerns were also expressed about the disposal of surface water from the site, and the potential environmental impacts on protected areas from this and the risk of flooding.

The final reason given for rejecting the application was the “design and scale” of the housing development and deficient communal open space, stating that this would fail to integrate with the area, and detract from the “general amenity of the area”.

Multi-agency search operation after distress beacon detected off Galway coast

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March 14, 2023

Galway Daily news Multi-agency search operation after distress beacon detected off Galway coast — Aran Islands RNLI all-weather lifeboat

A multi-agency search operation took place around the coastline of North Connemara on Monday after a distress signal was detected.

Units of the Clifden RNLI, Cleggan Coast Guard, and Rescue 118 helicopter were dispatched on Monday morning after an EPIRB distress signal was detected by Malin Head Coast Guard in the area of Letterfrack.

An Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) is a device to alert search and rescue services in case of an emergency out at sea.

Both the Shannon Class all-weather lifeboat and the Atlantic 85 lifeboat were dispatched from Clifden RNLI station.

The all-weather lifeboat was the first to launch, and began searching the area of Mullaghloss on the Renvyle peninsula.

The Irish Coast Guard Sligo based Helicopter, Rescue 118 was also tasked to search along with Cleggan Coast Guard units.

An extensive search was carried out of the reported areas by all assets with a large portion of the north Connemara coast searched.

With all involved satisfied that there was no vessel in distress in the area the Coast Guard stood down all assets and the volunteer crew returned to station.

Clifden RNLI Coxswain Alan Pryce said that the callout, “demonstrates how a well coordinated multi agency search can cover a very large area thoroughly and efficiently.”

“Thankfully there was no vessel in distress on this occasion but we remain ready to respond every time the pager goes.”

Speaking about EPIRBs Alan added, “Emergency beacons are a lifesaving piece of equipment, I would encourage any boat owners to check the service status and registration details of any beacons on board.”

“If you don’t have an EPIRB you should consider getting one because they will help search and rescue services to pinpoint the location of a vessel in distress.”

More than €3 million aid for seed and chipping potato farmers

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March 14, 2023

Galway Daily news blight warning for galway

More than €3 million in funding has been announced to aid seed and chipping potato growers, good news for anyone that likes good chips.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue announced the opening of the 2023 Scheme of Investment Aid for the Seed Potato and Chipping Potato Sector today.

The scheme has been expanded this year to include growers of Irish chipping potatoes.

It will support the sector by aiding improvements in the production, storage and marketing infrastructure of seed and chipping potatoes.

This will be done through grant aid to farmers towards the cost of specialized equipment and facilities.

The scheme, which is worth €3.1m in 2023, is funded from Ireland’s allocation from the Brexit Adjustment Reserve Fund (BAR).

Minister Charlie McConalogue said that he is a “strong supporter” of farmers growing seed and chipping potatoes, and wants to see the sector flourish in the years to come.

“We are potato royalty and I want to ensure that there is a strong and vibrant industry in the years ahead.”

Potato shortage

Minister McConalogue said that this aid scheme is in recognition of the challenges facing the Irish potato sector since Brexit.

In relation to seed potatoes, approximately 4,000 tonnes of seed potatoes previously supplied by Great Britain, as of January 2021, can no longer be imported into Ireland.

In addition, Ireland imports approximately 64,000 tonnes of potatoes from the UK. Most of these fresh potato imports are used by chip shop owners.

“The expansion of the scheme to include Irish chipping potato growers will help to secure and futureproof the potato industry and again demonstrates my commitment to the ongoing development of this important industry.”

“This Scheme will enable these specialized growers to develop capacity and ensure a renewed focus on the local supply model.”

Minister of State with special responsibility for Horticulture Pippa Hackett said that this scheme will “facilitate the expansion” of the growth of seed and chipping potatoes.

“The funding provided by this Scheme will be of great benefit to those growers in the seed and chipping potato sectors and will assist them in developing their capacity ensuring a consistent supply of Irish potatoes and displacements of imports.”

Almost 70 people on trolleys in Galway’s hospitals today

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March 14, 2023

Galway Daily news 67 people on trolleys at UHG

There are almost 70 patients on trolleys in Galway’s public hospitals today, INMO Trolley/Ward Watch figures show.

University Hospital Galway is the third most overcrowded in the country today, with 55 patients on trolleys.

There are 44 patients in the emergency department at UHG without a bed, and another 11 in the wards.

At Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe there are a further 12 patients admitted with no beds available for them this morning.

Of these patients, 8 are on trolleys in the emergency department, while 4 are in the hospital wards.

Nationwide there are a total of 627 patients admitted to hospital with no beds available for them today.

University Hospital Limerick is the worst affected, as usual, with 97 people on trolleys, followed by Cork University Hospital with 76, and then UHG.

Cúirt Literature Festival returning with page turning programme

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March 14, 2023