St Patrick’s Day Parade will be biggest Galway’s ever seen

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March 7, 2023

Galway Daily news St Patrick's Day Parade will be biggest Galway's ever seen — Mayor Clodagh Higgins and Saoirse Ruane launching the annual St Patricks Day Festival in Galway. Photo: Boyd Challenger

Over 1,500 people are due to take part in this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade in what promises to be the biggest ever to take place in Galway City.

More than 50 local groups, and more from further afield, will be taking part in the Parade on March 17, with two local heroes leading the way.

First of two Grand Marshals for this year’s parade will be Connacht Rugby’s Andy Friend, who has been a wonderful ambassador for the province since joining in 2018.

Mayor of Galway Cllr Clodagh Higgins announced Connacht Rugby coach Andrew Friend as one of the two Marshalls for the parade. Photo: Andrew Downes, XPOSURE

Joining him on the open top bus at the front of the parade will be 11 year old Saoirse Ruane, who has raised million for cancer research since her appearance on the Late Late Toy Show in 2020.

“Saoirse has captured the hearts of the people of Ireland and we are delighted she will be leading our St Patrick’s Day parade,” the city council said on facebook.

Some of the groups participating include Macnas, 1st Port of Galway Sea Scouts, Salthill Devon Football Club, Ability West, GCS Judo, Funky Drums School, Galway Bay Rugby Club, Get Rhythm.

From outside of Galwat, coming all the way from Tampa Florida are Krewe of Europa, a colourful costumed group celebrating the Age of Discovery.

Europa has members representing all 44 European Countries in colorful costumes of each country, and is taking part in celebrations around Ireland.

“The Krewe is excited to be part of an amazing celebration of the Patron Saint and Apostle of Ireland, St Patrick,” said Craig Bachler of Krewe.

The St Patrick’s Day Parade will kick off from the University of Galway at 11:30am on March 17.

Borderland – Ukraine exhibition captures burden on refugees fleeing war

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Briain Kelly

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March 7, 2023

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Galway City Museum has opened a new exhibition capturing the experience of the millions of displaced Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion.

Borderland – Ukraine is an outdoor photography exhibition by award-winning documentary photographer Karen Cox.

Just over a year ago, Russian invaded Ukraine, starting a war which has claimed thousands of civilian lives, and many more which have likely yet to be recorded.

Millions more have been displaced as Russian advances, and relentless rocket attacks on civilian towns and cities, have sent people fleeing.

It has been reported that as many as 8 million Ukrainians have left their country as refugees due to the war.

These photographs offer an insight into the reality of displaced people crossing from Ukraine into Poland in the hope of finding safety.

The images taken by Cox, from both sides of the border, were taken in April 2022 at the border crossing in Medyka.

Speaking about her work, Cox said that she wanted to humanise the stories of these people, and show the heavy burden that the conflict places on young and old alike.

Karen Cox is a freelance photographer who works both in Ireland and internationally. Her work spans documentary photography and photojournalism to reveal and record both known and untold narratives.

Her photographs have appeared in publications worldwide including The New York Times, The Guardian, Rolling Stone among others and also feature in the Irish national papers.

Solar plans for Kylemore Abbey & Gardens don’t see the light of day

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Briain Kelly

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March 7, 2023

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Galway Daily news perovskite solar panels

Plans for Kylemore Abbey to go green with the installation of hundreds of solar panels have been knocked back due to ecological concerns.

A planning application was made by Kylemore Abbey & Gardens LTD for the installation of 370 ground mounted solar panels within the overall grounds of Kylemore Abbey & Gardens.

The panels would have covered an area of 1,247m² in a gravel staff carpark area to the west of the monastery and castle.

A Proposed Solar PV Self-Consumption Analysis submitted with the planning application stated that the scale of the solar power project had been based on historical energy consumption.

The number of solar panels to be installed was meant to “cover as much of the electrical load as possible, with minimal overproduction” of electricity.

In the single reason for refusing planning permission, the County Council noted that the site is immediately next to, and “hydrologically connected” with the Twelve Bens/Garraun Special Area of Conservation.

The council said that there are concerns in relation to “surface water management and the proposed discharge to groundwater and flow direction” in the project.

An Appropriate Assessment Screening Report for the project had been prepared following a request for further information from the council.

The council’s decision said that based on the information received, “adverse effects on the integrity and conservation objectives” of the protected sites in the vicinity could not be ruled out.

Creggs RFC to face Westport in BOI Connacht Junior Cup Final

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Briain Kelly

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March 7, 2023

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Galway Daily rugby The Sportsground to be renamed Dexcom Stadium in partnership deal — Photo: INPHO/Connacht Rugby

Creggs RFC have made it into the Bank of Ireland Junior Cup Final, where they will face off against Westport later this month.

The north Galway club made it into the final after overcoming stiff resistance from Ballinrobe at the weekend.

After pulling ahead in the first half to a score of 19-8 at the break, Creggs managed to hold off a determined comeback by Ballinrobe, for a final score of 22-18.

Meanwhile, Westport came to Tuam on Sunday where they triumphed over the home side 16-10.

The game was neck in neck for much of the playtime, until two late penalties saw Sam Walsh secure victory for the visitors.

The Connacht Junior Cup Final will take place on March 26 at the Sportsground.

Galway Weather – Status Yellow warning for freezing temperatures in effect

By

Briain Kelly

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March 6, 2023

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Galway Daily weather Galway Weather - Status Yellow warning for freezing temperatures in effect

A weather warning for freezing conditions overnight in Galway and across Ireland is now in effect this evening.

The Status Yellow Ice Warning issued by Met Eireann came into effect at 6pm this evening, and will remain in force until 10am on Tuesday morning.

“Hazardous conditions due to freezing temperatures including icy stretches on roads and paths.”

Galway is expected to see below zero temperatures overnight, with the coldest stretches coming in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Temperatures will hit lows of -2 degrees in some inland areas of Galway overnight, while generally bottoming at 0 degrees in coastal areas.

Tuesday will be bright and dry, but also freezing once again. Met Eireann is forecasting clear sunny skies, with just some scattered light cloud cover tomorrow.

However, temperatures will drop below zero once again come tomorrow night, and will remain cold for the rest of the week, with a small improvement.

Council following ‘line of enquiry’ on illegal dumping in Ballinasloe

By

Briain Kelly

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March 6, 2023

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Galway Daily news Council following 'line of enquiry' on illegal dumping in Ballinasloe

Galway County Council has warned against illegal dumping after sharing disgraceful images of rubbish left at bring banks in Ballinasloe.

The council reminded people of fines or prosecution that can follow illegal dumping, and urged people to call them if a bring bank is full up instead of leaving rubbish there.

“Bring banks and Household Textile banks are a very important resource in helping Galway County do its part for the environment.”

“However, our area staff continue to see an increase in the level of dumping at bring banks countywide, with the type of waste regularly.”

“Left at the banks of considerable concern, including food waste and multiple bulky goods items.”

“The deposit of food waste is completely unacceptable and can result in rodent infestation at such sites.”

Cleanup of illegal dumping at Ballinasloe Bring Banks

The council said that if a bring bank is full up, people should contact their environment department at 091-509510 or environment@galwaycoco.ie.

The county council shared these images of the cleanup effort needed, also warning that they have gone through this rubbish, and are following a “definite line of enquiry” for enforcement proceedings.

Littering can be punished by an on the spot fine of €150, or leave you liable to prosecution. It is illegal to leave rubbish next to a bring bank if it is full.

Soc Dems welcome co-option of Alan Curran to city council

By

Briain Kelly

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March 6, 2023

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Galway Daily news Soc Dems welcome co-option of Alan Curran to city council

The Social Democrats have welcomed the co-option of Alan Curran to Galway City Council taking place on Monday afternoon.

Alan Curran was nominated to fill the vacant seat left by Owen Hanley by the Galway West branch of the party last week.

He is expected to be officially elected at today’s meeting of Galway City Council.

Owen Hanley had stepped down from his seat in January following allegations made against him.

Speaking about his appointment, Curran said that he is honoured to represent the Social Democrats on Galway City Council at an “exciting” time in the party’s history.

“Like many members, I share the sense of optimism that has greeted the arrival of Holly Cairns as our new leader.”

“In the meantime, I intend to get started on my work as a councillor immediately and focus on practical solutions to make the east side of Galway more liveable and family-friendly — with better transport solutions and improvements to our parks and playgrounds.”

A secondary school teacher at Coláiste Éinde in Salthill, Alan Curran is best known as the founder of the Galway Cycle Bus.

This is a community initiative enabling children to cycle safely to school. He is also a member of the Galway Cycling Campaign.

Holly Cairns TD, new leader of the Social Democrats, offered her congratulations to Alan on his new position on the city council.

“He will join a 21-strong team of dedicated, hard-working councillors in our party and I’m confident he will be a valuable addition to the council.”

“Alan is ambitious for the future of Galway and I know he will work tirelessly as a councillor to make his vision for this wonderful city a reality.”

Niall Ó Tuathail, Chairperson of the Galway branch of the Social Democrats, added, “We’re very grateful to Alan for putting himself forward.”

“He has great experience in turning practical ideas into positive change for people’s lives and we’re excited to see what he can do as a councillor.”

The married father of three is also an underage coach for St Michael’s GAA; a coach for the school’s U14 and Junior rugby team; and assistant coach to the school’s athletics team.

He is a member of the Galway branch of the Native Woodland Trust and was active for eight years with the Galway Mountain Rescue Team.

University of Galway awarded funding for STEM inclusion projects

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Briain Kelly

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March 6, 2023

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The University of Galway has been awarded funding for two projects meant to get people engaged with STEM topics and foster diversity.

Ministers Simon Harris and Norma Foley have today announced a total of €6 million in funding for 40 projects to empower diversity and inclusion in STEM.

SFI Discover Programme awardees will be encouraged to use the funding to build connections with less-represented voices, or with those who would not typically engage with STEM.

University of Galway has been awarded €49,195 in funding for the ‘Immersive Empathy: Using Immersive Technologies to Narrate Community Challenges’ project.

Led by the university’s Moore Institute working the Galway Simon Community, Immersive Empathy aims to produce VR and Augmented Reality experiences that can capture and convey the experience of homelessness.

The immersive experiences, created from the perspective of those who have experienced homelessness, will be used for training of service providers and to increase awareness and empathy amongst the general public.

The university has also been allocated €35,000 to support the ReelLIFE SCIENCE Video Competition.

ReelLIFE SCIENCE is a national short film competition, where primary and secondary school students create videos explaining a STEM topic of their choice simply and engagingly.

Speaking today, Minister Simon Harris said “The SFI Discover Programme aims to stimulate an open and inclusive conversation on STEM, empowering participation and growing talent, with the aim of ensuring everyone can bring forward ideas and solutions for our society.”

He added that the projects being funded today will help those who have not considered the “endless opportunities” open to them.

“I look forward to seeing the results and achievements of these projects, and I have no doubt they will help inspire many people to pursue careers and studies in STEM.”

National Symphony Orchestra coming to Galway for summer concert

By

Briain Kelly

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March 6, 2023

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Music for Galway is pleased to announce that an extra concert has been added to its 41^st International Concert Season this summer.

On May 13, the National Symphony Orchestra will make a welcome return to Leisureland.

Led by its charismatic chief conductor Jaime Martín and joined by the phenomenal Russian-American pianist Kirill Gerstein, the orchestra are bound to bring a must energetic performance to Galway audiences.

Chief Conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra since 2019, Jaime Martín is also Chief Conductor of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Music Director of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra.

Having spent many years as a highly regarded flautist, Jaime turned to conducting full-time in 2013 and quickly became sought after at the highest level.

Recent and future engagements include debuts with the Dresden, Netherlands Philharmonic and Dallas Symphony Orchestras, return visits to the London Symphony Orchestra, Royal Stockholm Philharmonic, Colorado Symphony, Antwerp Symphony, Orquesta Sinfónica y Coro de RTVE and Galicia Symphony orchestras, and a nine-city European tour with the London Philharmonic.

Born in 1979, in Voronezh in the former Soviet Union, Kirill Gerstein’s heritage combines the traditions of Russian, American and Central European music-making with an insatiable curiosity.

These qualities and the relationships that he has developed with orchestras, conductors, instrumentalists, singers and composers, have led him to explore a huge spectrum of repertoire both new and old.

From Bach to Adès, Gerstein’s playing is distinguished by a ferocious technique and discerning intelligence, matched with an energetic, imaginative musical presence that places him at the top of his profession.

Gerstein is an American citizen based in Berlin. His career is similarly international with world-wide performances.

These range from concerts with the Chicago and Boston Orchestras, the Leipzig Gewandhaus, Royal Concertgebouw, Vienna and Berlin Philharmonics, London Symphony Orchestra and the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra (BRSO), to recitals in London, Berlin, Vienna, Paris and New York.

Kirill Gerstein, Pianist. Photo: Marco Borggreve

Kirill Gerstein is the soloist for the formula one of all works for piano solo and orchestra, Rachmaninov’s Second Piano Concerto.

Unabashedly lyrical and passionate, the yearning melody at its heart was famously used in David Lean’s iconic 1945 film Brief Encounter.

This piece is bookended by Ian Wilson’s storm tossed Man-o’-War, which opens the evening, while Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade brings romance and poetry to the end of the night.

Tickets are available from musicforgalway.ie and cost €30 / €27 concession.

There is a reduced price for full-time students and school-going children of €10 and MfG Friends pay €26. To book or find out about how to join as MfG Friend, visit our website or phone 091 705962.

This concert is presented in partnership with the National Symphony Orchestra. Music for Galway gratefully acknowledges the support of the Arts Council.

Boil Water Notice for Ros a Mhil remains after over 4 months

By

Briain Kelly

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March 6, 2023

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Galway Daily news Boil Water Notice lifted after more than five months in place

A Boil Water Notice for some 250 homes in the Ros a Mhíl area remains in place after more than four months.

Uisce Eireann imposed the Boil Water Notice for a portion of the network in the area served by Rossaveal Reservoir at the end of last October.

This was due to low levels of chlorine and detections of Coliform bacteria in this part of the supply network.

In a statement to Galway Daily, Uisce Eireann said that further water sampling will be carried out in the coming days.

“We cannot be conclusive on a date to lift the Boil Water Notice as it is dependent on agreement from the HSE, following the receipt of satisfactory sampling results.”

“Please be assured that Uisce Éireann’s drinking water compliance and operational experts are working with colleagues in Galway County Council to lift the notice as quickly as it is safe to do so. We will continue to provide updates as we work to lift the notice”.

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.

MEP urges government to ban TikTok from staff phones

By

Michael Malone

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March 6, 2023

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galway daily news staff phone ban tiktok ireland

Midlands North West MEP Colm Markey has urged the Oireachtas to follow the example set by the European Parliament and ban TikTok from staff devices.

The Fine Gael MEP said he has serious concerns about the security risks posed by the Chinese owned app.

The European Parliament last week told MEPs and staff to uninstall the app from all corporate devices, in alignment with the Commission and Council.

“The three EU institutions have banned TikTok due to cybersecurity concerns and I believe the Oireachtas should follow suit,” said Markey.

“TDs, Senators and staff should be told to uninstall the app from all official devices until we have guarantees that private data is not being sent to China.”

The MEP said that as public servants, we have a duty to protect sensitive information from unauthorised access.

“TikTok’s data collection practices are a cause for concern and we cannot afford to take any chances with the security of our information.”

Rosabel’s Ball to return to Galway city in April with Síle Seoige

By

Michael Malone

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March 6, 2023

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galway daily news Sile Seoige rosabels ball

Rosabel’s Ball in aid of Rosabel’s Rooms in collaboration with Irish Hospice Foundation is returning on Saturday 22 April in the Hardiman Hotel on Eyre Square.

MC for the night is broadcaster and mum of two Síle Seoige who said she is ‘delighted to be part of such a wonderful evening’.

Guests will enjoy a unique drinks reception with Silkie Whiskey from the coast of Donegal along with Dingle Gin and Poachers tonic.

There will also be a delicious signature cocktail from Coole Swan and then a four-course meal prepared by award-winning chefs at the Hardiman Hotel.

Music from the recently reunited The Wilful will have guests on their feet all night.

Rosabel’s Rooms was set up in 2018 by Gary Monroe and Suzanne McClean after the sudden death of their beautiful daughter Rosabel not long after her first birthday.

The Galway-born child loss project, now a national initiative, in partnership with the Irish Hospice Foundation reaches out to bereaved parents and families all over Ireland supporting them financially and therapeutically.

Rosabel’s mum and director of the charity Suzanne McClean said that Rosabel died at home but was raced to University Hospital Galway.

“The staff were incredible that night, but unfortunately there wasn’t any appropriate space available to us while we tried to navigate our way through those crucial first post-trauma hours with our deceased child,” she said.

“The essence of this project is to convey a sense of reverence and respect for life, death and bereavement. We are delighted to celebrate Rosabel’s life through events like the ball while raising funds to help so many families.

“We are overwhelmed with those looking for support. Rosabel’s legacy will certainly live on.”

Tickets are €100 and are available online at https://carriedawaypr.clr.events/event/133594:rosabels-ball you can also contact event organiser Caroline Downey at 0874482070 or caroline@carriedawaypr.ie

Weather warning issued ahead of hazardous conditions on roads

By

Michael Malone

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March 6, 2023

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Galway Daily weather weather warning for low temperature and ice

Met Éireann has issued a status yellow warning for low temperatures and ice which will come into effect this evening.

The forecasters say there will be hazardous conditions on roads and paths overnight due to freezing temperatures.

Lowest temperatures are likely to fall to between 0 and -4 degrees leading to widespread sharp frost.

Wintry showers will later move into north facing coasts later, in mostly light northerly breezes.

The warning will begin at 6pm today (Monday) and remain in place overnight until 10am on Tuesday.

All counties in the Republic are affected by the warning.

Tuesday will remain very cold but there will be plenty of sunshine too across the West.

Man arrested on suspicion of murder after reports of house fire

By

Briain Kelly

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March 5, 2023

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Galway Daily news Missing 17 year old teenager found safe and well

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a body was found following a fire in the west of Ireland on Sunday evening.

Shortly after 6:30pm this evening, Gardaí and Emergency Services responded to reports of a fire at a house on Pheasanthill, Castlebar.

The body of a man was discovered inside the residence.

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with this death.

He is currently detained in Castlebar Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.

The scene is currently preserved and the services of the Garda Technical Bureau, and Office of the State Pathologist are being requested.

Gardaí in Castlebar are appealing to any person who may have information in relation to this incident to contact them at Castlebar Garda Station on 094 903 8200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

Gardaí have said that the investigation is ongoing, and that they have no further comment at this time.

Plans submitted for 96 home residential development in Galway City

By

Briain Kelly

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March 5, 2023

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Galway Daily news Planning appeal over 91 houses & apartments in Athenry

Planning permission is being sought for a residential development of 96 houses and apartments in Castlegar, Galway City.

K King Construction has submitted an application to build 40 houses and two large apartment blocks on a 2.53ha site on the Tuam Road, opposite the City North Business Park.

Two four storey apartment blocks with a total of 56 units would face onto the Tuam Road, with a total of 24 one-bed units and 32 two-bed units.

The 40 terraced houses would comprise 2 four bed houses, 17 three-bed houses, and 21 two-bed homes.

A creche with external play area would also be built, along with a new entrance onto the N83 for cars and pedestrians.

The estate would be served by a total of 151 car parking spaces, including undercroft parking at the apartment buildings.

The bulk of the public green space will be located between the apartment buildings and the houses in a central area, with some more public green space to the rear of the site.

These will include two equipped children’s play areas for kids aged 6 and over, and one enclosed play area for children aged 3-6.

A decision on this planning application is due from Galway City Council by April 13.

Construction on new Athenry fire station to begin this month

By

Briain Kelly

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March 5, 2023

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fire station contract signing — Standing : Cllr. James Charity, Cllr. Jim Cuddy, Cllr. Shelly Hertridge, Cllr. David Collins and Cllr. Gabe Cronnelly. Seated : Cllr. Liam Carroll, Gerry O'Malley, Galway Fire Station, Eileen Ruane, Director of Services, Galway County Council, Cathaoirleach Michael "Moegie" Maher, Patrick Gardiner, CEO Coolsivna Construction, Brian Fahy, Hannon Quantity Surveyors and Anthony Travers, Galway Fire Station

Work on the new €2.5 million fire station for Athenry is due to get underway this month.

Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Michael “Moegie” Maher signed the contract for the new station back on February 20.

The new station will consist of 361sqm, single storey building, with garage space for three fire trucks, along with equipment storage areas and other facilities.

The €2.5 million project is expected to take approximately 10 months to complete.

Public consultation event on next Tuam Local Area Plan

By

Briain Kelly

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March 5, 2023

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Galway Daily news Public consultation event on Tuam Local Area Plan

A public consultation session for the Draft Tuam Local Area Plan will take place in the town library tomorrow.

The drop in session will be held in the foyer of Tuam Library from 2:30pm – 7:30pm on Monday, March 6.

Staff from the county council’s Forward Planning Policy unit will be present to discuss the plan with the public.

The Draft Local Area Plan along with the reports outlined above are also on public display at the library.

A public webinar to discuss the plan will also be held next week, at 6pm on Thursday, March 9. Register for the webinar online here.

Public submissions regarding the draft Tuam Local Area Plan 2023 – 2029 can be made to the county council until March 23.

Submissions can be made online at https://consult.galway.ie, sent by email to forwardplanning@galwaycoco.ie, or in writing to ‘Tuam Local Area Plan’, Forward Planning Section, Galway County Council, Prospect Hill, Galway, H91 H6KX.

City Councillor calls for unlimited travel public transport ticket

By

Briain Kelly

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March 5, 2023

0

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

A €9 unlimited travel ticket for public transport would be good for savings and the environment, Galway City Councillor Niall McNelis has said.

The Labour councillor said the introduction of a climate travel ticket would represent huge savings for people in Galway, as well as helping Ireland meet its climate targets.

“Modelled on a similar scheme which was introduced in Germany, the ticket would entitle people across the country to unlimited travel, across all modes of transport, for just €9 per month.”

“Labour estimates that the carbon emissions savings of such a policy would be equivalent to removing 23,000 cars off our roads.”

“It’s time this Government was brave enough to take radical steps towards a cleaner future,” Niall McNelis said.

Labour is calling for the introduction of a €9 climate transport ticket to help people in Galway make the move to public transport; save on costs of fuel; and help Ireland meet emission targets.

Councillor McNelis said that if Ireland is serious about achieving emissions targets, people need to be enticed with carrots, not just sticks.

“People in Galway are all making more environmentally conscious choices daily, but Government needs to help make it easier and more cost effective for people.”

Staffing issued affecting Carraroe community nursing unit

By

Briain Kelly

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March 5, 2023

0

Staffing shortages have been impacting the capacity of the nursing unit in Carraroe, answers at the recent Regional Health Forum meeting have shown.

Councillor Dáithi Ó Cualáin asked what steps had been taken by the HSE to reopen the closed beds at the Aras Mhic Dara Community Nursing Unit.

Breda Crehan-Roche, Chief Officer of Community Healthcare West said that staffing problems were affecting the delivery of services in the area.

“There are continuous staffing challenges in rural areas and particularly in Connemara,” said Breda Crehan-Roche.

“We are unable to open those beds due to ongoing staff shortages and difficulties in recruiting staff.”

“We have a rolling recruitment campaign open for Staff Nurses and hope this will assist in this regard.”

Councillor Ó Cualáin said in his question that it is understood that that there are 13 bed closed at the community nursing unit.

Gaeltacht arts programme awarded €3.72 million in funding

By

Briain Kelly

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March 5, 2023

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Galway Daily news Increased funding for Gaeltacht summer college accommodation providers

The government has approved a €3.72 million fund to support the promotion of Irish language based arts in the Gaeltacht.

The three year Ealaín na Gaeltachta programme will help see thousands of children in Gaeltacht areas get an opportunity to explore the arts, along with supporting incomes for professional artists.

The €3.72m fund approved by Minister for the Gaeltacht Catherine Martin is three times larger than the previous three year programme.

A youth-enabling programme entitled Cuisle is the central plank of the approved fund – its goal is to promote language-based arts, especially drama.

The increased fund will be used mainly to:

provide for c. 5,000 pupils/children in 15 Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas through the Cuisle programme
support the creation of 2 full-time and 2 part-time post to carry out the organisation’s expanded agenda
create an income opportunity for up to 14 artists – including musicians, playwrights and singers.

Minister Catherine Martin said, “Ealaín na Gaeltachta has been doing good work for many years with the help of both my Department and the Authority, to support the promotion of the arts in the Gaeltacht.”

“That work is more important now than ever and the particular value of the language-based arts for the Gaeltacht and for the Irish language is recognised more than ever.”

“The language-based arts are an integral part of the distinctive culture of the Gaeltacht – including sean-nós singing, music, drama and dance.”

“Through the approval of this increased fund, Ealaín na Gaeltachta will be enabled to further increase the valuable work programme they have in hand for the most valuable and distinctive part of Gaeltacht culture – the Irish language.”

Ealaín na Gaeltachta was founded in 1997 to develop and promote the indigenous and contemporary arts of the Gaeltacht and to increase opportunities for development and employment in the sector.

€1.275m was approved for the organisation in 2019, over a three-year period, to benefit the language-based arts in the Gaeltacht and to provide improved learning and training opportunities for the youth.

The director of Ealaín na Gaeltachta, Paddy Glackin, said that the results of the increased funding they have now been given will be evident for years to come.

“This will greatly increase our ability as an organisation to provide additional opportunities for the young people of the Gaeltacht in the fields of music, dance, singing, oral arts and now in drama.”

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