Planning sought for Kinvara housing estate

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March 14, 2023

An Post is getting into the St Patrick’s Day spirit by providing free postcards to customers in every post office from today, which can be used to send love across the world with an international stamp this week.

The postcard’s striking design features illustrations from The Book of Kells, with Lá Fhéile Pádraig Sona Duit (Happy St. Patrick’s Day) emblazoned across the top.

Julie Gill, Commercial Marketing Director at An Post Mails and Parcels, said that St. Patrick’s Day is a time for celebration and the perfect opportunity to connect with people near and far.

“Our free postcards are a fantastic way to send a message from home to friends and family in Ireland and abroad,” she said.

An Post is also offering discounts on their packaging, so customers can send a piece of home with ease from over 900 post offices.

The postcards are also included with online orders from anpost.com/shop.

New food network to celebrate Galway’s culinary scene all year-round

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March 13, 2023

galway daily news blas na gaillimhe food network launch in galway city

A new food network has been created in Galway to celebrate and promote the year-round food scene and food stories of Galway.

Blas Na Gaillimhe – A Taste of Galway is an initiative set up by a small group of city restaurants and publicans with support from the county and city councils.

The hub will be an online space that showcases the very best of what Galway has on offer to eat, drink and stay when visiting Galway as well as the producers who supply the restaurants, cafés, and bars.

Food events, promotions, and the latest news can be accessed on one platform.

While the platform will provide information on year-round experiences and a point of reference for visitors to Galway, Blas Na Gaillimhe also plans to mark the month of May in a special way with Blas Na Bealtaine – A Taste of May.

Founding member, JP McMahon of Aniar and Cava Bodega, said they are looking for food service businesses of all sizes to get involved in showcasing what they offer and celebrate the best of Galway food and drink.

“The content created, the website listings and the information provided will leave a legacy that provides year-round information for visitors to the Galway food and drink scene,” said McMahon.

“We believe this food network can grow in future years and make the food scene a crucial component of the promotion of Galway as a tourism destination.”

The Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur said he hopes the food network will be a true reflection of Galway’s food and drinks diversity by having restaurants, cafés, pubs, hotels, producers, growers, and brewers on board.

“Hospitality in Galway consists of a team of skilful and creative people dedicated to delivering world-class products and experiences in the food, drink, hospitality and agricultural industry,” he said.

“If you would like to join our network and become part of the Blas Na Gaillimhe – A Taste of Galway food network please get in touch.”

Blas na Bealtaine will be a month-long celebration, in partnership with Galway City and Galway County Council, where the Blas Na Gaillimhe – A Taste of Galway network will present an exciting programme of events and experiences to celebrate the vibrant food and drink scene in the city and county featuring a programme of events.

The festival promises to have something for everyone from serious food enthusiasts to families of all ages.

Visitors can expect memorable meals, oyster tastings, farm visits, cheese-making demonstrations, seafood trails, distillery visits, foraging, beer masterclasses, coffee cupping, wine pairings, theatre, music, and much more.

There is an administration fee for a yearly membership of €125 for restaurants, pubs, cafés, and B&Bs; €65 for food producers and food trucks; while hotels and hostels’ membership is €250. Membership fees include VAT.

To get involved with Blas na Gaillimhe – A Taste of Galway and have your food business featured please visit www.atasteofgalway.com or email info@atasteofgalway.com.

Letter | “City Council car park plans are disappointing”

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March 13, 2023

galway daily news letter to editor cian mortimer people before profit galway debenhams workers strike

Dear Editor,

I was disappointed to learn this week that Galway City Council is to expand its car park.
At an estimated cost of €3.5 million, I can’t help but feel this is a gross misuse of taxpayer money and a missed opportunity to lead the way in tackling our climate woes.

The climate crisis dictates the immediate need to reduce carbon emissions. The manufacturing of concrete and building of roads contributes greatly to greenhouse gas emissions.

It is estimated that, around the world, concrete production accounts for 8% of global emissions. Nearly every kilogram of concrete (0.8kg) is responsible for 1kg of carbon dioxide equivalent. These are emissions we cannot afford. Roads and related infrastructure account for 3.5 million tonnes of Carbon Dioxide Equivalent each year in Ireland alone.

A new land-use survey found that the amount of Ireland covered in concrete, paving and roads has almost doubled in less than 30 years, to 2.4%. This is an area of over 1600km², or, an area of Ougterard, Spiddal, Loughrea, Ballinasloe, and Moylough.

Galway City Council should use this opportunity to reassess their parking requirements.
One-third of households do not own a car in Galway City. We should be seeking to ensure as few people as possible need a car in the future.

The council could welcome in the four-day-week, which has been heralded as a success everywhere it has been tried. The council should look at providing free public transport for its staff. And the council could look at leading the way in understanding a car-free future.

Yours,
Criodán Ó Murchú
Peterswell, Galway

University of Galway appoints new Traveller Education Officer

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March 13, 2023

galway daily news university of galway traveller education officer — University of Galway’s Traveller Education Officer Anne Marie Stokes and Imelda Byrne, Head of Access Centre, at the recent Irish Traveller Ethnicity Day celebration at University of Galway. Credit – Aengus McMahon.

University of Galway has appointed its second ever full-time Traveller Education Officer to lead on the recruitment of and support students from the Irish Traveller community.

Anne Marie Stokes, a Traveller and alumnus of the University, succeeds Owen Ward in the role and will manage the Mincéirs Misl’d in Education – Empowering Irish Travellers project.

As Traveller Education Officer, Anne Marie Stokes will work in partnership with Irish Traveller organisations and the Irish Traveller community.

She will build on government policies and strategies to provide a detailed, evidence-based understanding of barriers to access and progression in higher education for Travellers.

Anne Marie Stokes said she is proud to take up her new role as she has seen the University’s commitment to increasing the number of Travellers reaching higher education.

“I am very passionate about education, and I have a Bachelor of Arts and a Master’s degree from University of Galway, and I look forward to supporting the further development of outreach, recruitment and support strategies to not only enable Traveller students to access university but to succeed once they do.”

Having previously worked with the Galway Traveller Movement, Anne Marie Stokes has also delivered cultural awareness training and anti-racism training to numerous service providers and industries.

She now joins a multidisciplinary team of professionals supporting students that are under-represented in higher education from the pre-entry stage of the student journey and throughout their time in University of Galway and Atlantic Technological University Galway-Mayo.

Imelda Byrne, Head of the Access Centre at University of Galway, said that the need for further engagement with the Irish Traveller Community has been identified through both practice and policy.

“A lot of progress has been made in recent years, but Irish Travellers are still heavily under-represented in higher education,” she said.

“We are delighted with Anne Marie’s appointment to continue and build on the work that has been done to date and look forward to new collaborations.”

€5.4 million Digital Innovation Hub to help boost SMEs in Galway

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March 13, 2023

€5.4 million Digital Innovation Hub to help boost SMEs in Galway

A €5.4 million European Digital Innovation Hub will help SMEs in Galway and the western region become more competitive.

The online Data2Sustain hub will help small business to adopt digital technologies to give them an edge.

The online hub, with €5.4 million in funding, will support regional SMEs in the north and west region over the next three years.

Businesses that engage these one-stop-shops for firms with digital challenges will be able to gain expertise on research and development in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Blockchain technologies.

They will also be able to access applied digital research, expertise and solutions from the region’s universities – including Atlantic Technological University and University of Galway.

Northern and Western Regional Assembly Director David Minton said, “This new hub, which will be called Data2Sustain, will support start-ups, SMEs and other businesses, as well as the public sector in their digital transformation.”

“It has a focus on circular economy, operations and sustainability areas, utilising AI, HPC and cybersecurity technological competence, with particular emphasis on data and data analytics–driven innovation and regard to energy consumption and low–carbon emissions.”

The EDIH will also be connected to a network of more than 200 similar hubs spread across the European Union.

“This means, for example, that a company in Connemara can avail of research in Denmark that might assist its business with a technology such as Blockchain or Robotics,” David Minton said.

In a report on the digitalisation of SMEs in Ireland, the European Investment Bank said the country had a two-speed digital economy with the divide most obvious in the Northern and Western region.

EDIHs combine the benefits of a regional presence with the opportunities available to a pan-European network that can exploit radical disruptions in advanced digital technologies.

SMEs and public sector agencies can access the hub through a region-wide network of contact points including Local Enterprise Offices, universities and Údarás na Gaeltachta.

Weather warning as further snow showers forecast

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March 13, 2023

Galway Daily weather Weather warning as further snow showers forecast

Met Eireann has issued yet another weather warning for the possibility of snow and ice in Galway on Monday night.

The Status Yellow Snow & Ice warning has been issued for all of Connacht, along with counties Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, and Westmeath.

“Wintry showers will lead to icy conditions in some areas tonight and on Tuesday morning,” Met Eireann has said.

The warning carries the possibility of hazardous driving conditions and slippery paths.

The weather warning will be in effect from 8pm on Monday night until midday on Tuesday.

Chow down on Galway’s finest this Mother’s Day

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March 13, 2023

Fully Treat the mother in your life this year by spending time with them as you will roam through the streets of Galway enjoying the best of food, drinks and company.

The Mother’s Day Brunch kicks off in the afternoon with Galway food Tours guiding you to six of Galway’s hottest eateries and watering holes.

From savoury to sweet and then a tipple of two, this afternoon will showcase how all Sundays should be spent!

1 of 4

Bring a friend, bring a girlfriend, treat your wife or someone who needs a day out.

The Mother’s Day Tour is happening on Sunday, March 19, beginning at McCambridges on Shop Street.

The tour is priced at €80. To book visit www.galwayfoodtours.com.

Three day roadworks to disrupt Athenry traffic

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March 13, 2023

Galway Daily news Traffic disruption expected from Galway City centre roadworks

Three days of roadworks will disrupt traffic in Athenry when they get underway this week.

The county council is carrying out resurfacing works at the junction of the R348 and L3123 roads at Prospect, Athenry.

The works are due to take three days to complete, from Tuesday, March 14 through to Thursday, March 16.

In order to facilitate these works, lane closures will be in place from 9:30am to 17:00pm each day.

A traffic management system will be in place to regulate motor traffic at the site of the roadworks during this time.

As a consequence users of this road are requested to expect delays and as such should allow additional time for their journeys.

The roadworks are being carried out by John Madden & Sons contractors on behalf of the county council.

Claregalway Primary Care Centre gets planning approval

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March 13, 2023

Galway Daily news Claregalway Primary Care Centre gets planning approval

Planning permission has been granted for the construction of a primary care centre in Claregalway.

Valley Healthcare, which is a sub fund of infrastructure investment fund ICAV, has been given the green light to build a two storey PCC on the west side of town.

The county council granted approval for this reduced scale proposal, after previously rejecting plans by Valley Healthcare for a development at this site.

This proposal is smaller than the part three storey building previously rejected, and has been reduced in height by more than 2.5m.

Planning permission was granted by the county council with 30 conditions attached, including a contribution of €21,127.50 which the developer must pay to the council towards the provision of public facilities serving the area.

The Primary Care Centre will be built on lands at the Montiagh Road, with a new access point for vehicles and pedestrians.

The council stipulated that a Stage 2 Road Safety Audit must be carried out before any works can begin, with any recommendations incorporated into the design.

A further Stage 3 Road Safety Audit must also be carried out after construction of the primary care centre is completed.

The primary care centre will have a retail pharmacy on the ground floor level, along with the consulting and treatment rooms.

The floor plans for the project show rooms dedicated for psychiatry, pediatrics, chronic disease management, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, psychology, physiotherapy.

The primary care centre will have a total of 73 car parking spaces, along with bicycle parking, and the developer also said that upgrade works will be carried out on the Montiagh Road to its junction with the N83.

The purpose of these upgrade works will be to widen the road’s carriageway, and to provice a continuous 1.8m wide footpath up to the N83.

Revenue issues fresh warning of scam impersonation calls

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March 13, 2023

Another warning has been issued of reports of phone call scammers impersonating someone from the Revenue to steal personal information.

Callers may ask for personal information or bank details while purporting to be from the Revenue.

Some of the scams can involve telling people that they are due a tax refund, or that a tax bill must be paid immediately in order to avoid a prosecution.

Scammers will also provide a variety of reasons why people need to give them their credit/debit card or bank details, the Revenue said in a statement.

“This person is not calling from Revenue. Revenue never asks customers to provide personal information via telephone calls or text messages.”

“Anyone who mistakenly provides personal information in response to these types of fraudulent phone calls should contact their bank or credit card company immediately and alert the Gardaí.”

“It is important to point out that these types of scams in no way involve Revenue’s systems or security.”

PBP Galway welcomes further application to Dublin Road BusConnects

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March 12, 2023

Galway Daily Public consultation on BusConnects project in Galway City

People Before Profit Galway has welcomed a further application to the Dublin Road BusConnects, but said that pedestrians, wheelchair users, and cyclists must be provided for first and foremost.

Galway City East Representative Denman Rooke commended the provision of more public transport options for Galway.

He said that in the midst of a worsening climate crisis, everything that can be done to help people reduce their car usage and get onto public transport is welcome.

“More buses, bus routes, and cheaper transport costs are a win-win for everyone,” he said.

But Rooke said we must also continue to ensure that we fundamentally change the hierarchy of transport from vehicles to people.

He said pedestrians require safe paths and crossing opportunities and wheelchair users deserve wide footpaths with no fear a vehicle will block their progress.

In addition to more bus routes and better cycling infrastructure, PBP Galway is calling for greater systemic solutions.

“We need to see the public transport being made free in Galway City for all, as well as facilitating active transport – that means more pedestrianisation, more cycleways, and less overall car demand,” added Mr Rooke.

“This will benefit not just us immediately but also our future generations. Additionally, pushing for a four-day working week and a 15-minute city will all aid in lowering our carbon emissions and local air pollution.”

Win big in this year’s Galway Hospice car raffle!

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March 12, 2023

Galway footballer Cillian McDaid attended the launch of this year’s Galway Hospice Car Raffle, along with Galway Hospice Community Palliative Care Nurse, Breeda Feeney and CEO, Mary Nash.

First prize in the raffle a 2023 Kia Riosupplied by Kia Renmore, while second prize is a family holiday to France for four people with Kelair Campotel, sponsored by Keller Travel, Ballinasloe.

Third prize this year is dinner for two at the g Hotel Galway.

The raffle started out in 2020 and has since raised vital funds to keep services running at the hospice.

Getting involved in this year’s car raffle is a fun and meaningful way to support Galway Hospice and those that rely on the care of their doctors, nurses, carers and therapists.

Cillian McDaid urged everyone who can to enter the Raffle and support your local hospice.

Tickets are just €10 each, three tickets for €20 or a booklet for €100.

For your chance to win big and support people who need hospice care, head to raffle.galwayhospice.ie or call fundraising on 091 770868.

Grants of up to €3,000 available to artists in Galway City

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March 12, 2023

Galway Daily news Grants available to community groups in Galway City affected by COVID

Galway City Council is inviting applications from artists and creative practitioners living in Galway City for funding to support their professional practice and development.

Artists working in the range of artistic disciplines are welcome to apply, including, visual culture, literature, contemporary film, music, dance, architecture, theatre and traditional arts.

Strand 1 invites applications up to €500 and Strand 2 from €501 to €3,000 and applicants may apply for Strand 1 one or Strand 2 only.

This fund supports the work of creative practitioners working to develop new works and nurture their creative and professional practices.

The application process is only and is available, along with guidelines, at www.galwaycity.ie/creativebursary.

The closing date for applications is 6 April 2023 at 4.00pm.

Those who are interested can contact arts@galwaycity.ie with any questions by including subject line “Creative Practitioners Bursary 2023 enquiry”.

Galway to host conference on migrants experiencing gender-based violence

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March 12, 2023

galway daily news gender based violence conerence galway migrants

A conference exploring the issues facing migrants experiencing gender-based violence, and the supports that are available to them will take place at the Harbour Hotel, Galway on Monday, 13 March from 10.30am to 4pm.

The event will hear from a range of speakers and panels, including a keynote address from CEO of Women’s Aid, Sarah Benson, who will discuss ‘a survivor-centred perspective on navigating domestic, sexual and gender-based violence systems and structures’.

There will be a panel discussion on the ‘experiences of migrants in addressing gender-based violence’, which will feature perspectives from migrant women who are survivors of gender-based violence.

The event will also feature an overview on current national policy and legal context by Ben Ryan, Head of Criminal Justice Policy, Department of Justice.

Commenting ahead of the conference, Brian Killoran, CEO of the Immigrant Council of Ireland said: “Migrant women experiencing gender-based violence face additional challenges that affect their ability to leave abusive relationships – including language and cultural barriers, lack of information, and concerns around visa-rights.

“As part of our upcoming conference, we are looking forward to discussing how migrants experiencing gender-based violence can be supported, and what barriers they are currently facing.

“In order for us to be able to adequately address these concerns, it is vital that migrant voices are at the centre of the conversation.”

The full event programme is available here.

Mind Body Experience announces events in Salthill

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March 11, 2023

galway daily news mind body experience event

The Galway Mind Body Experience has announced its 2023 event will be held at Leisureland Centre in Salthill on 15 and 16 April.

This free admission event includes over 70 exhibitors and 48 hours of complimentary talks, workshops, and yoga and meditation classes.

It promises to be a weekend to inspire, educate and entertain. Doors are open from 11:00 am to 7.00pm, and no tickets are required.

The event consists of four different elements all in one venue, the Mind Body Soul Expo, the Yoga and Meditation Festival, Live Well – Talks & Workshops, and the Galway Psychic Fair.

The Mind Body Soul Expo brings together a range of exhibitors, practitioners, and speakers from the world of holistic health and wellbeing from across Ireland and beyond.

The Yoga and Meditation Festival is a weekend of yoga, mindfulness, and meditation, offering complimentary yoga and meditation classes open to all. Both beginners and experienced yogi are welcome to explore a variety of workshops.

The Live Well – Talks & Workshops — a range of complimentary talks and workshops — will see a diverse set of presenters offer unique talks and workshops, all bringing an underlying focus on inspiring a healthier and happier you.

Galway Psychic & Holistic Fair, with its own private and dedicated area, is a must for all those interested and curious to explore the world of Psychic Readings, Mediumship, Palmistry, Crystal Ball, Angel, and Tarot cards.

More than 20 holistic therapists will offer mini treatments, advice and information at the festival.

For more information visit https://www.galwaymindbodyexperience.ie/galway-mind-body-experience

Aran Island Ferries joins tourism companies on Canadian sales mission

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March 11, 2023

galway daily news aran island ferries in canada for sales mission — Pictured in Ottawa, Ontario, on day two of Tourism Ireland’s sales mission to Canada are (l-r) Sandra Moffatt, Tourism Ireland; Cairell Ryan, Cliffs of Moher Experience; Aine McLoughlin, Aran Island Ferries; and Lauren Lamonday, Tourism Ireland. Pic – Shyam Photography

Aran Island Ferries joined a delegation of 23 tourism companies from Ireland and Canada on a four-city sales mission in Canada last week.

The delegation, together with Tourism Ireland, met with more than 300 Canadian travel agents in the cities of Ottawa, Montreal, London and Halifax.

The trip involved a networking event in each city, where the participating tourism companies from Ireland had the opportunity to meet and do business with Canadian travel professionals.

The Canadians were informed about the many things to see and do in Ireland, including outdoor adventure and experiences, the craic and warm welcome, and our rich culture.

The delegation also met with influential travel and lifestyle journalists and influencers at two media events, in Ottawa and Montreal.

Sandra Moffatt, Tourism Ireland’s Manager Canada, said the sales blitz provided an excellent platform to spread the word about the many things to see and do, and all that is new and exciting, on holiday in Ireland in 2023 and beyond.

“Travel agents and tour operators continue to be an important booking channel for Canadian holidaymakers, so a key element of our strategy is working closely with the travel trade, both online and offline,” she said.

“This sales mission was a fantastic opportunity for our tourism partners from Ireland to inform and influence these Canadian travel professionals about what Ireland has to offer and, importantly, to encourage them to include the destination in their future programmes and recommend it to their clients.”

In 2019, the island of Ireland welcomed 248,000 visitors from Canada, who spent €209 million during their time here.

Government criticised for pushing back farmer support scheme dates

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March 11, 2023

Galway Daily news €20.6 million in ANC payments issued to Galway farmers

Local TD Seán Canney has expressed his dismay that the Department of Agriculture is proposing to push back the payment dates for important agriculture support schemes to farmers.

The Independent TD said that in times of increased cost of doing business, it is ‘unbelievable’ the Department would even contemplate such a move.

He said it comes as farmers are grappling to keep their farming activities alive and are planning cash flow around these payments.

“I understand that the Department made the proposal at yesterday’s meeting of the Farmers’ Charter which would mean the payment dates of certain schemes would be pushed back by up to a month,” said the Galway East deputy.

“A proposal to hold back ANC payments by four weeks and set a new payment date of mid-October is an insult to farmers when they are expecting these payments in September at a critical time to the farm family and when there are so many demands on the farm and within the family household budget.”

Deputy Canney said that another proposal is to delay the BISS payment by one week which will also lead to ‘unnecessary hardship’ for farmers.

“Every week delay is adding pressure on the farming sector and the Department need to get their act together and stop playing games with farmers money, and which would be unacceptable in any sector of business. I ask the Minister to intercede and stop this nonsense.”

Gaeltacht host families get financial boost ahead of summer

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March 11, 2023

Galway Daily news Increased funding for Gaeltacht summer college accommodation providers

Irish college host families in the Gaeltacht can now accept a maximum of 16 students provided they have adequate space, the Minister of State for the Gaeltacht has announced.

A maximum number of 12 students per house had been in place under the scheme since 2014.

The change will result in an additional income of around €3,168 per year for host families, not including the fee paid by colleges to host families.

This measure is in addition to the previously announced increase of almost 20% in the daily grant payable under the Department’s scheme to host families.

Minister of State Patrick O’Donovan said he is delighted to be able to approve this practical measure for the benefit of both the scheme’s families and the Irish language colleges system.

“This change will not only enable qualifying households to generate additional income from providing additional accommodation, but it will also help the colleges themselves,” said the Minister.

“As a result of this measure both host families and colleges will be enabled to provide additional opportunities for the country’s youth to attend Irish language courses in the natural domain of the language, the Gaeltacht – which will of course be to the ultimate benefit of the Irish language as well as the Gaeltacht.”

From Monarch Butterflies to Mayan Ruins: Mexico’s Top Hiking Trails

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Angela Mc Bride

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March 11, 2023