Lisbeth Wahl, Authentic Europe AS; Niall Gibbons, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland; and Míchéal Ó Cionna, Killary Fjord Boat Tours, at Tourism Ireland’s 2023 Nordic trade workshop in Copenhagen. Pic – Tourism Ireland
Ireland was promoted to over 50 tour operators and travel agents from Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland at a trade workshop in Copenhagen.
Twenty-two Irish tourism companies – including Killary Fjord Boat Tours – took part in Tourism Ireland’s 2023 Nordic workshop, meeting and doing business with the Nordic travel professionals.
They aimed to encourage them to extend their Ireland offering or to include Ireland for the first time in their programmes for 2023 and beyond.
The event provided a valuable opportunity for Tourism Ireland and its partners to remind the Nordic travel professionals all about the many great things to see and do around Ireland – including our great food and drink offering, fantastic accommodation options and our sustainable tourism experiences.
Emer Mac Diarmada, Tourism Ireland’s Manager for the Nordic Region, said: “We’re delighted that so many key Nordic travel professionals have taken the time to come and meet with our partners from Galway and elsewhere around Ireland in Copenhagen, to learn all about our superb tourism offering.
“Our aim is to increase awareness of Ireland among these influential Nordic tour operators and travel agents – and to help Ireland and our tourism partners secure a greater share of their business.”
In 2019, 256,000 visitors from Nordic countries visited the island of Ireland, who spent €116 million during their time here.
It emerged this week that a number of government Ministers are expected to travel across the globe for the St. Patrick’s Day weekend.
I am unsure as to the quantifiable merit of these ‘diplomatic’ holidays, I mean, journeys. However, we can be sure as to the quantifiable impact of these flights regarding their emissions.
It is estimated that the minister’s flights will account for over 75 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (CO2eq) emissions. We should also bear in mind this is based on economy seats only, with business and first class travel leading to inflated emissions.
With per capita Irish emissions at 12.3 tonnes CO2eq, these flights will lead to the same emissions as 6 people in Ireland will use in the entire year.
Whilst not entirely drastic, if we compare these emissions to countries typically blamed, we see that these flights account for the total emissions of 39 people in India or 33 people in Brazil.
Looking towards the Global South, countries like Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Ethiopia could provide for 104, 290, and 750 people respectively with the same emissions allocation.
It would be remiss to discuss flights and not mention some stark numbers as to the inequality of aviation travel.
Only 10% of the earth’s population will ever fly. 1% of people who fly account for 50% of all global aviation emissions.
I would stipulate that I do not care much for an individual’s emissions, provided they are within the realm of normality. However, these extraordinary emitters are not normal and should not be treated as such.
Climate change does not care for whataboutery. We simply do not have time.
Every single kilogram of CO2eq is critical. Every single degree in temperature rise is detrimental.
Every single flight which can be avoided is non-negligible. We must become leaders in a new model for diplomatic engagements that do not require the use of aviation.
The best carbon offset there is not leading to that emission in the first place.
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) hosted the global event, “Invent for the Planet 2023”, engaging first-year students through
PhD candidates in a 48-hour Intensive Design Experience (IDE) to solve a challenge affecting the planet today.
Two Galway students were part of a team which took the top prize in the Irish side of worldwide design and invention competition.
A student team called “Power Up” has won the Irish leg of the 2023 international “Invent for the Planet” design blitz competition.
They took home the top prize in Ireland for developing a prototype affordable energy generator which uses hydropower and wind power electricity that is stored in a battery.
The winning team comprises Xing Ying Chuang, third year Biomedical student at ATU Galway; Tom Hakizinka Senga, second year Mechanical Engineering student at Dundalk IT; Tenis Ranjan, Postgraduate student at University of Galway; Edbin Ostilio Buezo Zuniga, first year engineering student at ATU Sligo; and Ontiretse Ishmael, PhD computing, ATU,
“Based on our calculation, the power generated by this system in one hour can light up approximately 250 light bulbs”, they said, adding “we will all be using clean energy to keep our planet intact.”
For taking first place in the Irish leg of the competition, they were awarded a €5,000 prize.
Invent for the Plant is a 48-hour intensive design experience (IDE) that engages students at different universities around the world on a single weekend to solve high-impact, global problems.
Organised by Texas A&M University, it ran synchronously in 29 universities across 22 worldwide locations during the weekend 10 to 12 February.
ATU’s School of Engineering hosted the Irish leg of the competition for the second year in a row.
The top five worldwide teams will go on to compete in the final in Texas on 28 April, with the shortlist to be announced later this month.
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) hosted the global event, “Invent for the Planet 2023”, engaging first-year students through PhD candidates in a 48-hour Intensive Design Experience (IDE) to solve a challenge affecting the planet today.
Organiser Dr Jack Saad, Fulbright Faculty Scholar, Texas A&M, and lecturer in Robotics at ATU Galway, said that it was great to see students from different backgrounds coalesce into teams over the weekend.
“The event will leave an indelible mark on the participating students’ learning experience and will help given them the experience and confidence needed to overcome life’s challenges.”
The runner up “Eat Smart” team comprised of Caoimhe McCormack, first year Environmental Science student at ATU Sligo; Zain Ali, IT Master student at ATU Donegal; Vijay Kumar, IT Master student at ATU Donegal; and Jessica Henry, third year Software engineering year at ATU Sligo.
“Innovation is the key to solving our world’s most critical issues and at Eat Smart, we believe in using our creativity and drive to positively the planet,” the team said.
“We are proud to have received recognition for our solution to prevent food waste at the Invent for the Planet 2023 event and will continue to work towards a more sustainable future”.
In total 35 students competed from ATU (Galway, Donegal and Sligo campuses), University of Limerick, University of Galway, Munster Technological University (MTU), Technological University of Shannon (Tus) and Dundalk Institute of Technology.
Sports fans and betting enthusiasts in Galway have a tremendous 2023 to look forward to as sports stars from the Hooker County and Connacht at large feature in some of the year’s biggest sporting events. And betting operators in Ireland are sharpening their odds in anticipation. Shopping around to get value in your bets is the smart move here. But what are the upcoming events attracting major interest?
For many Irish sports fans, the year kicks off properly with the Guinness Six Nations, and Connacht players feature in Andy Farrell’s title-chasing Ireland squad. Mack Hansen, Finlay Bealham, and Bundee Aki will all play key roles as the current World Number 1s chase the Six Nations crowd as a precursor to the biggest event of them all in rugby, the World Cup in France kicking off in September. With the Heineken Champions Cup and United Championship also featuring Connacht, it’s a bumper year for fans of the oval ball and Galway-based players will have a major part to play. Keep an eye out for Six Nations and Rugby World Cup betting specials with most of the major Irish bookmakers including Paddy Power, BoyleSports and QuinnBet.
In soccer, Galway United will seek to win promotion as the team faces another year in the League of Ireland First Division. John Caulfield’s side will look to improve on second and third-place finishes in the last two seasons in order to secure a return to the top flight. League of Ireland soccer matches is featured by all top sports betting operators and live betting options also apply.
Then in GAA, Galway hurlers, footballers, and camogie players will seek a strong season in both the Championships and League competitions. Galway’s hurlers shared the league title in 2021 but haven’t won the competition outright since 2017, the same year that the county last claimed the Liam MacCarthy Cup. For the footballers, it’s been a much longer run without success. Galway’s last triumph in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championships was in 2001, while the barren run in the League stretches back to 1981. Backing Galway’s success in 2023 looks like making more sense from a hurling perspective.
For the ladies success in the football arena has sparsely been more recent, with 2004 the most recent All-Ireland win, although the team did reach the final as recently as 2019. It was that same year that The Tribesmen won the Ladies’ National Football League title. We have to turn to camogie for Galway GAA’s most recent success, with the county’s camogie players claiming the All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship as recently as 2021. Indeed, backing the girls looks a smart bet as the 2023 campaign tips in.
With strong participants in a host of other sports, the Galway sports scene is certainly busy and maintains tremendous interest throughout the year. And with top Irish bookmakers offering odds on rugby, soccer, GAA and much more besides, the opportunities are plenty for Galway sports fans and betting enthusiasts alike to get behind the county’s host of sports stars.
With top Irish bookmakers offering odds on rugby, soccer, GAA, and much more besides, the opportunities are plenty for Galway sports fans and betting enthusiasts alike to get behind the county’s host of sports stars. Keep an eye out for upcoming events such as the Guinness Six Nations and Rugby World Cup, as well as Galway United’s matches in the League of Ireland First Division. And for GAA fans, Galway hurlers, footballers, and camogie players will seek a strong season in both the Championships and League competitions. GAAbetting.ie may be a great resource for those interested in betting on Galway GAA’s most recent success.
Roscommon-Galway TD Claire Kerrane has raised concerns that the government’s cost of living package will not go far enough to protect workers and families.
Speaking after a range of measures were announced yesterday, Deputy Kerrane said that all support in the midst of a cost of living crisis is welcome.
But she said that the announced measures include no additional supports for fuel and heating, despite calls for a much-needed Discretionary Fund to assist households struggling with utility debt.
“The announcement of lump-sum payments for specific groups, including one parent families and Disabled People, who have some of the highest levels of poverty and deprivation in the State will not be enough,” said the Sinn Féin TD.
“That these payments will not be received until April means that many households will continue to struggle, when supports are needed immediately. Sinn Féin’s proposed package would see supports extended and in place from next week.”
Kerrane said the detail on exactly which groups are eligible will matter as, during the last round of once-off measures, many people with disabilities were left out of receiving payments due to very rigid criteria.
“The government should make sure that eligibility for these payments is inclusive as possible, to ensure they reach those who need them.
“Furthermore, lump sum payments should not replace focus on making social welfare rates adequate, particularly with regard to cost of disability.
“A one-off payment is just that and in many cases, it will be spent before it’s received. Outgoings and rising bills are not one-off.”
The TD also said that it is disappointing that Social Welfare rates were not increased in the announcement.
“No increase of rates means these payments continue to be outstripped by inflation and represent a real-time cut for those reliant on fixed incomes.”
A man in his 20s was brought before Galway District Court this week charged with rape and sexual assault offences.
The man, who cannot be named at this time, was brought to court in custody, where evidence was given of his being arrested and charged.
He has been charged with rape, sexual assault, and aggravated sexual assault, all of which are alleged to have been committed against the same victim in Galway City in 2021.
The court heard that the DPP has directed that the case will go to the Central Criminal Court on indictment.
The DPP has also consented to the case going forward on a signed plea of guilty if that should arise.
There was no objection bail subject to conditions that the accused man should reside at the address provided to the state, sign on at a local garda station, and surrender his passport.
He is also not to have any contact with the alleged injured party or any witnesses in this case, and must stay away from Galway City and County other than for court appearances.
It was a good night for Roger Finnerty & Sons in Galway at the recent Irish Craft Butchers Awards, as they brought home a fistful of prizes.
The long established butchers, which can be found in Oughterard and Eyre Square Shopping Centre, won a total of five prizes at the awards ceremony in Portlaoise.
They claimed two Gold Medals for their much loved Traditional Sausage and their Pork and Garlic Sausage.
In addition they took home two Silver Awards for their delicious Pork and Black Pepper Sausage and their Pork and Leek Sausage, and Bronze for their Pork, Tomato and Basil Sausage.
All sausages are freshly made in house, daily at Roger Finnerty & Sons by the talented, highly skilled butchers John Mc Quinn and Gerry Conneely who have years of experience and are familiar faces to their loyal customers.
Established in 1960 by the late Roger Finnerty, this family business is now in its third generation, with Roger’s son Tommy following in his footsteps, and grandson Thomas joining the business just six years ago.
Together they work with a loyal and long serving team who create a warm and welcoming atmosphere in this true family butchers.
They create and deliver award winning produce at the heart of Oughterard village on the shores of Lough Corrib and at their Galway City Centre premises in the Eyre Square Centre.
Tommy Finnerty said that they were thrilled to have won these awards as a great way to kick off the year, and praised their butchers’ staff for their craft and customer service.
“We’ve a super team in both Oughterard and the Eyre Square Centre in Galway City who listen to our customers, know what they like, and they work tirelessly to create the best sausages for them, and these five awards are testament to their commitment and hard work.”
The award winning Roger Finnerty & Sons Craft Butchers are opened Monday through Saturday at Main Street Oughterard and in the Eyre Square Centre, Galway City.
An Bord Pleanala has given the green light for the construction of a backup gas power plant at Tynagh, between Loughrea and Portumna.
The Board has rejected an appeal by An Taisce against the county council’s decision to approve an Open Cycle Gas Turbine power plant, with associated infrastructure, at the site of Tynagh Power Station.
The application, which first received approval in April of last year, is for a “peaking plant”, providing additional capacity at times when the grid is strained due to high demand.
It will primarily burn natural gas, but will also have the capacity to run on locally stored distillate fuel.
The plant will have a total of 12 permanent staff, divided into three administrative staff, and three shifts of three operatives each.
One condition stipulated that power plant will have an operational life of 25 years, after which all structures must be removed, and the site reinstated in a plan to be agreed with the council.
An appeal against the council’s decision was lodged by An Taisce, which said that the expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure was incompatible with Ireland’s goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The appeal also disagreed that the plant was necessary to provide resilience to the power grid, raised environmental concerns about methane emissions from the natural gas industry.
It also stated that there were errors in the emissions data contained with the Environmental Impact Assessment Report submitted with the application.
A response from EP Energy stated that the development is fully compliant with the Climate Act 2021, and is needed to ensure a secure electricity supply.
It also accepted that there were errors in the emissions data supplied, and provided updated figures.
The developer also said that it was not practical or necessary to consider the full life cycle of gas, from its extraction onwards, in making assessments.
The Inspector’s Report by An Bord Pleanála concluded that the power plant would “not have an unacceptable impact on the landscape or ecology, it would not seriously injure the visual or residential amenities of the area or of property in the vicinity, and it would be acceptable in terms of traffic safety and convenience”.
The Inspector recommended that the development be approved subject to conditions, mandating that mitigation measures in the EIAR and other reports be implemented in full.
Planning permission was ultimately granted by An Bord Pleanála with 14 conditions attached, outlined the permitted output of 299MW, and an operational lifespan of 25 years.
The developer must also submit a plan for the restoration of the site to its original state following the closure of the power plant.
A Galway Senator has condemned the decision by Minister for Environment Eamon Ryan’s decision to sack the board of Inland Fisheries Ireland.
Speaking in the Seanad, Senator Seán Kyne said that the “rotten, corrupt” saga of events at IFI in recent days is “worthy of a film”.
This comes after the Minister made the decision to dismiss the last three board members at IFI in recent days, following the resignations of the other members in the past year.
Venting his anger in the Seanad, Senator Kyne said that the Department seems to have made a deliberate decision to “run the board down”.
“There will be celebrations in IFI headquarters in City West today, and in the Department headquarters in Adelaide Road. The house, it seems, always wins.”
“The victims are the ordinary board members,” Seán Kyne said, who have been vilified by the Eamon Ryan’s decision.
He went on to say that an internal investigation is underway against management at Inland Fisheries Ireland following protected disclosures made by him and others.
Capital spending well over what would have required the board to sanction went through twice last year without its approval, Senator Kyne alleged.
Senator Kyne said that Inland Fisheries Ireland is being as a “fiefdom” by its Chief Executive Office, with no oversight since board members began resigning.
“I believe the Minister, Deputy Ryan, is a decent man but in this, he is totally misguided, and wrongly advised on purpose by his Department, and is standing over the targeting of an employee by the CEO. ”
Senator Kyne called for an independent investigation of IFI and its senior management, along with the advice given by the Department.
“The whole saga is not distinguished; it is disgusting. It is rotten, corrupt and, in fact, it is worthy of a film.”
Connacht Rugby have announced that Pete Wilkins will be serving as Head Coach for at least the next three years.
Wilkins will be assuming overall responsibility for the senior team from next season after signing a three year contract.
The club will be announcing a new coaching team as it is confirmed in the coming weeks.
Wilkins first joined Connacht Rugby in 2017 as as Defence Coach, before being promoted o the role of Senior Coach with primary responsibility for attack in 2021.
Following Andy Friend’s move to Director of Rugby in 2022, Wilkins became Head Coach, assuming greater responsibility for more of the on-pitch elements of the rugby programme.
Wilkins said that he is “thrilled and honoured” to accept this post for the next three seasons, and lead the talented team and backroom staff he’s come to know.
“In my six years here I’ve come to appreciate what a special province this is – not just the people within the organisation but the wider supporter base and volunteers in the clubs and schools who help make rugby in Connacht what it is today.”
“In that regard I’m thankful to Connacht Rugby and the IRFU for entrusting me with the task of leading the professional setup during what will be a very exciting time on and off the field.”
He said that for now his focus is purely on this season, and ensuring that Connacht has a strong finish in the URC and Challenge Cup.
“I know we can count on our incredible supporters for some vital games in the coming weeks and months.”
“I can assure everyone that we will be doing everything in our power to cap off the great work of Andy during his time here, and to then further build on that, during my tenure at the helm of Connacht Rugby.”
Before coming to Connacht, Wilkins gained wide ranging experience having spent both two years with Edinburgh from 2015 to 2017, and holding a number of roles with the Queensland Reds from 2011 to 2015.
He was also invited to join the Irish coaching team for the tour of New Zealand last summer, culminating in the historic series win.
Willie Ruane, CEO of Connacht Rugby praised Wilkins as an “excellent coach with extensive knowledge of the club and wider province” who understands what the club needs to achieve success.
“He has demonstrated considerable growth as a coach and as a leader throughout his time here at Connacht and we believe he is the right person to now take the group forward.”
After a difficult start to this season, we currently sit in the Top 8 of an extremely competitive URC and in the last 16 of the Challenge Cup, so we still have a lot to play for on both fronts.”
“In that regard, I look forward to us delivering a strong performance for the rest of this season and to Pete taking the group forward for next season and beyond.”
Scientists at University of Galway have published the first record of Ireland’s most venemous spider feeding on a pygmy shrew, a tiny protected mammal in Ireland.
It is the first time a member of the noble false widow spider species has been recorded preying on a shrew anywhere in the world.
The new study, published in Ecosphere, shows further potentially negative impacts of the spider on native Irish species.
The Pygmy shrew entangled in a False Widow Spider’s web. Credit: Dawn Sturgess
The extraordinary discovery was made by Dawn Sturgess at a home in Chichester in southern England when a small mammal was found entangled in a spider’s web on the outside of a bedroom window.
The small creature was later identified by the lengths of tooth rows as a pygmy shrew.
The shrew was still alive, but the spider’s highly potent venom was evidently taking effect as the shrew became increasingly incapacitated.
The spider was observed hoisting the shrew upwards into the rafters where it wrapped it in silk and fed off its meal for three days.
In Ireland the pygmy shrew is protected under the Wildlife Act (1976) and Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000.
This is the third case in recent years of a protected vertebrate species falling prey to the noble false widow in Ireland or Britain, and this represents the eighth species of vertebrate known to fall prey to members of the false widow genus Steatoda.
The noble false widow now appears to be a regular vertebrate-eating spider.
Over the past seven years, the research team, led by Dr Michel Dugon at University of Galway’s Ryan Institute, have been studying a wide range of characteristics specific to the species including its venom, symptoms associated with their venomous bite, ecology and behaviour.
Dr Michel Dugon, Head of the Venom Systems Lab, Ryan Institute, University of Galway and lead author of the study, said: “This observation demonstrates further that the noble false widow is perfectly adapted to take down large prey, combining potent venom, extremely strong silk, and complex hunting behaviour.”
Dr John Dunbar, Irish Research Council Post-Doctoral fellow, Venom Systems Lab, Ryan Institute, University of Galway, and senior author of the study, said: “”he noble false widow is a very intriguing spider, and we have much to learn about it still.
“We are very grateful to the members of the public who share their observations with us. This allows us to understand better how this invasive species may impact us and our environment.”
The scientists at University of Galway are encouraging members of the public to email them at falsewidow@universityofgalway.ie to report sightings of the noble false widow spider.
Galway City Council has announced a new traffic management plan for this week at Martin Roundabout which has been undergoing works to turn it into a signalised junction.
Access around the roundabout will be reduced at night until Friday this week to facilitate the works, with temporary lane closures and traffic diversions in place.
Signed diversions will be in place for road users and the roundabout will reopen during daytime hours.
The city council says that for access to Galway Clinic, road users should follow diversion signage. The clinic’s opening hours will remain as normal.
Senator Seán Kyne has welcomed the latest announcement of measures aimed at helping with the cost of living, especially for families and those on lower incomes.
The local senator particularly welcomed the €100 lump child benefit payments in June and €100 extra back to school allowance payment.
He said that these measures will help families at a time when parenting costs are high.
“Likewise, the €200 payment in April for Social Welfare recipients will be a welcome boost for pensioners, carers, and people with a disability.”
The Fine Gael also welcomed the extension of the 9% VAT rate on hospitality to the end of August which will help the summer tourist season in Galway city and county.
“In addition, the TBESS scheme changes will make it easier for businesses to reduce energy costs and I welcome its extension to May.
“This was a scheme which is worthwhile but needed changes to make it more user-friendly to businesses.
“These measures won’t cover everything but will help those under most pressure and hopefully we will see a significant further reduction in inflation and energy costs before the end of 2023.”
Galway hoteliers have welcomed the Government’s decision today to extend the 9% tourism VAT rate and reform the energy support scheme for businesses.
The decision formed part of a cost-of-living package announced by the government, with €470m set to be allocated for social protection measures.
John Ryan, Chair of the Galway Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) Branch, said that the measures announced now give tourism businesses greater certainty as they grapple with the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on Irish consumers and key overseas markets.
He said today’s announcement is a clear recognition by the Government of the challenges facing tourism and hospitality, which supports over 250,000 livelihoods.
“It will go a long way in helping to sustain the recovery of our industry at a time when businesses and consumers are facing significant economic and financial headwinds,” he said.
Mr Ryan said a vibrant tourism industry is one of the most effective ways to spread employment opportunities and prosperity throughout the entire country.
“That is why the decision to extend the 9% VAT rate is so critical for communities and regions that rely on tourism as a major employer and driver of economic activity.”
Mr Ryan also noted that most European countries apply a reduced rate VAT rate to tourism accommodation.
“When you look at the tourism VAT rates among our key European competitors, it is clear that the 9% rate is the right rate for Ireland.
“At 9%, Ireland is in line with our European neighbours, in particular those countries where tourism plays a key role in their economy.”
Campervans have become more popular with people in recent years thanks to their ability to accommodate the needs of pets. For dog owners, having a mode of transport that’s convenient and appropriate for their pets is a must! Many people even joke that their campervan is purchased just for their dog. In all seriousness, consider the five tips below when travelling with your dog in a motor caravan!
Keep Your Dog Safe
Safety is of utmost importance when driving with your pet in the campervan, but how you protect your pet will depend on their temperament. Some dogs do okay without any special assistance as they tend to sit still and relax. However, others may need to be restrained by a seat belt or even placed inside of a crate while travelling. At the end of the day, the amount of space in the vehicle also plays a major role in the safety process
Make The Space Feel Like Home
Dogs feel best in a familiar environment, so make sure to create a cosy atmosphere inside of an Irish registered campervan. Bring favourite toys or blankets to make the foreign environment more inviting. Your pet will feel not only more at ease while travelling, but they will discover new sights, smells, and sounds that hone their skills.
Travel With Comfort In Mind
If your dog enjoys travelling in a vehicle, chances are that they will enjoy a campervan as well! In fact, don’t feel surprised if your dog ends up liking the motor caravan significantly more than your car thanks to its spaciousness. During long holidays, your dog will feel more relaxed when you’re laid back and less stressed out. After all, this provides adequate bonding time with their favourite person in the world!
Make the temperatures comfortable in the campervan by adjusting them based on the season. It’s also important to allow your pet some time for exercise and stretching their legs. When you see a scenic spot you like, simply pull over and enjoy a mini adventure with your pet; relax with a cuppa or play a round of fetch! If you are looking for luxury comfort, then choose Rambling Rover for your next campervan hire in Ireland.
Always Keep Vet Records On Hand
Medical records and valid proof of vaccinations are crucial when planning your holiday. Make sure you always have the necessary documents with you when travelling with your pet. Should your pet get sick somewhere far from home, having their medical records with you can help make it easier to seek treatment. It’s also wise to create a shortlist of vets in the areas you’ll be travelling to as it eliminates undue stress and ensures that you’re prepared for the worst should it ever happen!
Bring Plenty Of Food And Water
You wouldn’t forget to bring yourself any food, which is why you should carefully plan for your furry friend’s meals as well! Always bring enough food, treats, and water for your pet for the entirety of your travels. Water is perhaps the most important, especially when travelling during the warmer months of the year as dogs are easily dehydrated and require plenty of filtered water. There are many pet feeder bowls and gadgets that you can purchase for your dog to help minimise any potential messes while on the road. Of course, not all pet feeders are high quality, so if you prefer something more traditional, just place a food bowl inside of a larger bowl to catch any potential spillage left behind by your pet. Once again, opting for something familiar is a great way to make the campervan environment more pet-friendly.
The Emergency Department at University Hospital Galway is under significant pressure today with high attendances and long waiting times.
The high number of people attending who need to be admitted for ongoing treatment means that there is pressure on bed availability.
This is resulting in significant delays being experienced by patients in the Emergency Department who are waiting for a bed to become available on a ward.
There are currently 36 patients on trolleys in ED awaiting admission to in-patient beds. UHG’s Acute Medical Unit is also incredibly busy today.
All available beds are in use and UHG says every effort is being made to discharge patients who are ready to go home so that beds will become available for patients who need to be admitted, at the earliest opportunity.
The hospital acknowledges that these delays are very difficult for patients and their families and apologises for the inconvenience and distress these delays cause.
The hospital is committed to treating everyone who presents at the Emergency Department; people who are seriously injured or ill are assessed and treated as a priority and those who do not require urgent care may be waiting longer.
If your health problem is not an emergency you should contact your GP during normal surgery hours or the Westdoc GP out of hours service, in the first instance.
As an alternative to the Emergency Department – for minor injuries – the Injury Unit in Roscommon University Hospital is open from 8am to 8pm every day to treat a range of injuries in both adults and children over five years of age.
Gardaí are renewing their appeal for witnesses following a fatal traffic collision in County Galway on Sunday 19 February.
Shortly before 6.30am, Gardaí were alerted to a collision involving a car and a pedestrian on the N84 at Carrowbrowne on the Headford Road in Galway.
The pedestrian, a man in his 30s, later passed away from his injuries.
Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this incident to come forward. Road users with camera footage (including dash cam) who were travelling in the area at the time are asked to make it available to investigating Gardaí.
In particular, any person that may have been travelling in either direction on the N84, Headford Road, near Carrowbrowne between 5.30am and 6.30am on Sunday, 19 February 2023 and who may have seen or noticed anything on the road at this time.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Gaillimh Garda Station on 091 538000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
Met Éireann has forecast freezing temperatures this week with thundery showers and hail possible tonight and on Wednesday.
Today will see rain will develop in the West early in the afternoon, moving east through the rest of the day.
Highest temperatures will reach 9 to 11 degrees today with moderate to fresh and gusty southerly winds.
Tonight will be wet and breezy before the rain clears eastwards overnight, followed by clear spells and scattered showers – some heavy and hail is possible.
It will become colder too overnight with minimum temperatures of -1 to +3 degrees, and frost and ice are possible.
Wednesday
Met Éireann says that tomorrow, Wednesday, will be cold with sunshine and scattered blustery showers across the West.
Some of the showers will be heavy, with hail and thunder possible, and some may turn wintry over hills.
Afternoon temperatures of 5 to 9 degrees are forecast, but it will feel colder due to brisk north-westerly winds.
Showers will become isolated early on Wednesday night, leaving mostly dry and clear conditions.
It will be another cold night with frost and possibly ice, as temperatures drop to between -1 and +3 degrees.
The outlook for the rest of the week is similar, with nighttime temperatures hovering around freezing.
Follow Galway Daily on Twitter and Facebook to keep up to date with the latest weather from Met Éireann.
People in Galway have been warned that texts are being sent by scammers asking them to click on a link to claim an energy credit.
The messages link to a site that looks like gov.ie, but there is no such scheme being offered by the government and people are warned not to click on the link or enter any personal details.
The government has reminded the public that neither their departments and agencies nor banks will never phone, text, email or video call people unexpectedly asking for bank details.
They say that people should never give their bank details, passwords or personal details if it seems a bit strange or out of the blue.
People are also advised not engage with anyone who says that they have their PPS number.
If you believe you are a victim of a cyber-crime, contact your local Garda station and take screenshots of texts, emails or other communications.
Some of the most common types of scams involve the use of fake emails, calls or texts pretending to be from real companies.
From hundreds of entries, the shortlists for this year’s AIB Portrait Prize and AIB Young Portrait Prize have been announced by the National Gallery...
A teenage boy is in critical condition following a single vehicle car crash which occurred in east Galway on Saturday night.
Gardaí and emergency services...
