Over 5,000 people left emergency departments in Galway last year without being seen

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February 27, 2023

galway daily news public participation networks in galway — Pictured at the launch of a national awareness campaign for Public Participation Networks (PPNs) are Brian Doherty, Zendile Ndlovu and Oana Nicoara from Galway City Community Network with Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development, Charities and Integration, Joe O’Brien TD.

Galway’s Public Participation Networks (PPNs) have today issued an invitation to community and voluntary groups in Galway to join their local PPN and help build a better future for the county.

Galway County PPN is associated with the Galway County Council area while Galway City Community Network is the Public Participation Network in Galway City.

Nationally, more than 18,000 community and voluntary groups are currently members of a PPN.

Public Participation Networks allow local authorities to connect with community groups around their county. They give people a greater say in local government decisions that affect their communities.

Vincent Lyons from Galway County PPN Secretariat said they strive to make community involvement more relevant by providing a platform for information sharing about events happening that are relevant to the groups.

“Training is a key part of our brief and tailoring that training to meet the requirements of the groups,” said Mr Lyons.

“An area for development within PPNs is to work on delivering local policy change through the Local Authority structures to deliver change that benefits the communities long term.

“We will continue to help our reps to make their roles more meaningful so that the PPN is the go-to brand for engagement both from central government and through our local structures making a difference for the people of County Galway.”

Speaking at the launch of the PPNs’ new national brand identity and awareness campaign, Minister O’Brien encouraged volunteer-led groups around the country, and particularly young people, to join their local PPN.

“Public Participation Networks give communities across Ireland a voice in local decision-making and bring valuable on-the-ground, experience and expertise into local and national policy development,” he said.

Grants of up to €20,000 available for taxis to purchase electric vehicles

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February 27, 2023

The Department of Transport has announced the renewal of the eSPSV Grant Scheme for taxis, hackneys and limousines in 2023, with a budget of €15 million allocated.

The scheme is designed to assist owners of small public service vehicles (SPSVs), such as taxis, in the transition to electric vehicles.

Eligible applicants can receive up to €10,000 in grants for the purchase of a new, full battery eSPSV, with an additional €2,500 available for models that are wheelchair accessible.

SPSV owners are eligible for double the normal grant when they scrap an older, more polluting, or high mileage vehicle and switch to electric.

The grant can reach up to €20,000 for a new, fully electric SPSV, and €25,000 for a wheelchair-accessible electric vehicle.

In addition to these grants, SPSV owners who switch to an EV can also avail of VRT relief (up to €5,000), the Domestic Charger Scheme (up to €600), and annual toll refunds (up to €1,000).

These incentives, coupled with fuel savings and lower maintenance costs, make electric models an attractive option.

University of Galway Students’ Union launches Seachtain na Gaeilge

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February 27, 2023

galway daily news seachtain na gaeilge university galway — (Left to Right): Imogen O’Flaherty Falconer, Barry Ó Siochrú and Sai Gujulla (University of Galway Students’ Union)

University of Galway Student’ Union has today launched its Seachtain na Gaeilge events which run from Wednesday 1 March right up to Saint Patrick’s Day.

The events will encourage students and staff across the University to use whatever level of Gaeilge they have at fun, free, inclusive events.

There will be an Irish culture night celebrating the talents of the University’s staff and students in poetry, song, prose and dance as Gaeilge.

The SU will also be highlighting campaigns focused on Irish language rights such as An Dream Dearg, and The ever popular Gaeilge 101 class will be back to give people a taste of the Irish Language.

Students’ Union President Sai Gujulla said: “We are delighted to launch our Seachtain na Gaeilge events to get our University community speaking more Irish in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.

“We are the first Students’ Union in the country to have a full time Gaeilge Officer and these events are a huge part of our Irish language strategy.”

Students’ Union Vice President for the Irish Language Barry Ó Siochrú added: “We are really looking forward to turning campus into a Gaeilge haven for Seachtain na Gaeilge.

“We have some fantastic collaborators helping us with the week and will be doing Flirt FM takeover shows as Gaeilge, pop-up trad sessions, community games, an Irish culture night and of course a huge Céilí at Sult. It’s going to be an exciting week!”

Work on new outpatient building at Merlin Park Hospital to begin in March

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February 26, 2023

Galway Daily news Plans submitted for community nursing unit at Merlin Park Hospital

Construction works on the new outpatient building at Merlin Park Hospital will begin in the next two weeks.

Local TD Sean Canney, who received confirmation that the works are to begin in March, said the facility will provide outpatient facilities in line with the best international standards.

The building is designed to improve patient access, flow, achieve segregation of patients and improved safety for patients.

The project will begin construction in the coming weeks and will alleviate pressure at the UHG including access and car parking for patients.

“It is important that healthcare facilities are delivered in a timely fashion in order to be able to deliver the best care possible for the region,” said Deputy Canney.

Dry week in store for Galway as temperatures drop at night

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February 26, 2023

Galway Daily weather weather warning for low temperature and ice

The next few days will see colder weather across the country, with temperatures around freezing forecast in the West for the next few nights.

Met Éireann has forecast a settled and dry week though, as high pressure will be positioned near Ireland.

It will be cold tonight with some clear spells, allowing for a slight frost to develop. Lowest temperatures of -1 to +2 degrees are forecast in light, mainly easterly breezes.

It will be dry again tomorrow with a mix of cloud and bright or sunny spells. Highest temperatures will be between 7 and 9 degrees in light to moderate east or southeast breezes.

The rest of the week will likely be similar, with settled conditions set to last until into next week.

Next weekend will also be dry, with a mix of cloud and clear spells along with highs of 6 to 8 degrees in mostly light breezes or calm conditions.

Galway lotto player matches 5 numbers + bonus in Saturday night’s draw

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February 26, 2023

Galway daily news galway syndicate claims 133,000 euro prize

A Lotto player in Galway was just one number away from sharing the €5.6 million jackpot in last night’s draw.

The winning match 5 + bonus ticket, worth €27,537, was sold at XL Headlines in Corrib Shopping Centre.

The €5.6 million jackpot was won by someone in Limerick, who became Ireland’s ninth lottery millionaire of 2023.

The winning ticket was purchased online or on the National Lottery app.

The winning numbers for Saturday’s (25 February) draw were: 4, 6, 14, 20, 22, 33 and the bonus 45.

The National Lottery is urging all Lotto players to urgently check their tickets to see if they are the winners of the €5.6 million jackpot or Match 5 plus bonus prizes of €27,537.

The winners should make contact with the National Lottery prize claims team on 1800 666 222 or email claims@lottery.ie and arrangements will be made for them to claim their prize.

A National Lottery spokesperson this morning said: ”What an amazing weekend for one of our online players Limerick who now has a Lotto ticket worth over €5.6 million in their possession! It’s the second Lotto Jackpot win for the Treaty this year so far.

“Also, two players from Galway and Dublin matched five numbers and the bonus winning €27,537 each!

“This morning, we are appealing to all our players to check their tickets carefully and if you are the winner, sign the back of the ticket and contact our prize claims team as soon as possible.

“This latest Limerick winner is the 3rd Lotto Jackpot winner of the year and 9th National Lottery millionaire of 2023.”

Writers wanted for National Mentoring Programme

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February 26, 2023

galway daily arts & culture Skylight 47 launch at Over the Edge open reading

The Irish Writers Centre and Galway City Arts Office has invited writers in Galway to apply for the National Mentoring Programme 2023.

The programme is an opportunity for selected writers across the island of Ireland to receive sustained creative and professional mentoring from an established Irish writer of their choice.

One mentoring relationship is on offer through the 2023 National Mentoring Programme.

Closing date for applications is Thursday, 2 March 2023.

The opportunity is available to writers of literary fiction, creative non-fiction, children’s or young adult fiction and poetry.

‘Words are like weapons’ – Research shows power of language when talking about State institutions

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February 26, 2023

Galway Daily news Redress Scheme for Tuam Mother and Baby Home survivors opening March 20

Researchers at University of Galway have compiled a report on the language used when talking about institutions historically known as Mother and Baby Homes and County Homes.

The project sets out guidance for the public and those in power in relation to education, awareness, and actions which can be taken in response to hurt and offence caused by language used to describe experiences.

Based mostly on the testimonies of people who have direct experience of the institutions, either as mothers or from their childhood, the report provides guidance to tackle and eradicate the use of stigmatising language.

This language includes ‘unmarried mother’ and ‘illegitimate child’, which still cause hurt and offence today even though no longer officially in use.

The study identified many other words that should not be used like describing the institutions as ‘homes’ or people who spent time there as ‘residents’.

The study found terminology of ‘victim’ and ‘survivor’ very contested and complicated, with some people identifying with this and others finding it offensive.

Many saw the need to have an alternative terminology, with one suggestion referring to persons as ‘separated’ – using ‘scaradh’, as Gaeilge – and the word ‘citizen’ promoted as a more acceptable term.

Highlighting the complex and diverse views of people, many different words that are used to describe mothers, and those who spent time in institutions in their childhood, are criticised.

The report has many examples of how use and misuse of stigmatising language by those in power has such an impact and needed to be changed.

It shows how those with power to influence often misrepresented, disrespected and reinforced stigma by their use of language.

Welcoming the launch of the report, authors Caroline McGregor, Carmel Devaney and Sarah-Anne Buckley commended the participants who contributed to the study.

Professor Caroline McGregor said: “Participants who contributed to this research project have given us a unique and in-depth understanding of the power of words and the hurt they can cause. As one person put it: ‘words are like weapons’.

“We thank all of the participants and steering group members especially the collaborative forum representatives for their significant contribution to this project.”

The report and a summary report are available at University of Galway – Unesco Child and Family Research Centre

Major investment needed in West and north-west regions says local TD

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February 26, 2023

Galway daily news Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil leaders agree on framework for government

Roscommon-Galway TD Claire Kerrane has called for a significant investment package from Government for the West of Ireland.

Deputy Kerrane raised the matter with the Minister for Rural Development in the Dáil this week, flagging the need for positive discrimination in the region.

She also said that there must be an introduction of a rural-proofing mechanism to ensure communities in the West and north-west do not fall any further behind.

CSO data highlighted by the Northern & Western Regional Assembly (NWRA) shows that regional inequalities continue to rise in Ireland.

The NRWA said that this is due to a lack of investment in infrastructure, a weak urban structure, a below average proportion of high valued jobs and an under-investment in research and development.

Deputy Kerrane, with her exchange with Minister Heather Humphreys in the Dáil, said that the utilisation of a rural-proofing mechanism would ensure that Government decisions do not disproportionately impact rural communities.

“The experience of the West and North West Region demonstrates how government policies can seriously impact rural regions, so it is clear that policy decisions must be rural-proofed to promote regional equality,” the Sinn Féin TD said.

“We now need urgent investment and commitment to rural-proofing policies from Government. We need a regional stimulus package for the West and North West Region and a policy of positive discrimination if we are to reverse this seriously alarming trend.”

Minister Ryan clarifies confusion around Tuam – Athenry greenway

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February 25, 2023

galway daily petition sligo athenry greenway

Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan has clarified that greenway plans in Co. Galway will not interfere in the future with any plans for rail development.

Minister Ryan announced funding for the greenway between Tuam and Athenry last week, which Senator Sean Kyne said caused confusion over whether that would be a greenway on the railway line.

Speaking in the Seanad, Senator Kyne told Minister Ryan that some people in the west of Ireland seem to be of the view that we cannot have a rail line, a greenway and a motorway.

“Why should we not have all three in the west? I ask the Minister to confirm that the western rail corridor is to be protected for rail and that a greenway will be built alongside, in the vicinity or in a different area.”

Senator Kyne also acknowledged the work of the West on Track campaign group which for a year has fought the fight for the western rail corridor.

“It was a difficult fight to maintain the line when alternative uses were being suggested for it. Part of that campaign on social media was quite nasty,” he said.

The local senator asked Minister Ryan for confirmation because of confusion from parts of the media in Galway on the issue.

In response, the Minister said that greenway plans will not get in the way of any plans for a rail line in the future.

“To answer Senator Kyne’s concern about services from Tuam to Athenry, nothing we do is going to get in the way of holding the line for rail development,” the Minister for Transport said.

“Any other greenway development or ancillary works are not going to interfere with the potential for us to restore a railway service on that section between Claremorris and Athenry.”

4,421 people from Ukraine now living in Galway

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February 25, 2023

galway daily news University of Galway signs partnership with government of Ukraine

New data shows that the number of arrivals from Ukraine to Galway has risen to 4,421.

A total of 74,458 Ukrainians have now arrived in Ireland, one year on since the start of the war.

Galway City Central has the most Ukrainians of any area in the county, with a quarter of all arrivals.

In the Tuam electoral area, just 155 refugees from Ukraine were registered.

Nationally, women and men over the age of 20 made up 46% and 21% respectively of arrivals to date. One third were people aged under 20.

Of all arrivals aged 18 and over, 62% of males and 47% of females were married or cohabiting.

There were 12,622 arrivals enrolled in further education and training courses on 1 February, of which 10,680 enrolled in further education English language courses.

As of 12 February 2023, 28,774 arrivals had attended an employment support event arranged by Intreo Public Employment Services.

Of those 70% noted that English language proficiency was a challenge in securing employment.

Muhammad, Lily and Saoirse are the most popular baby names in Galway City

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February 25, 2023

galway daily news baby names galway city county 2022

The most popular baby names in Ireland in 2022 have been revealed by the Central Statistics Office.

Jack was the most popular name for baby boys in Galway county, while Muhammad was the most common name in Galway city last year.

For girls, Éabha topped the list in Galway county, and Lily and Saoirse were the most popular names in the city.

Nationwide, Jack, Noah, James, Rían and Charlie were the top five baby names for boys, while Emily, Grace, Fiadh, Sophie and Lily were the most common girls names.

The top risers in 2022 were Tomás, up 42 places to 77^th place, and Éala, up 86 places to 91^st place.

Blake and Cody entered the top 100 for boys and Hailey, Phoebe, Ayda and Éala were new entries for girls.

The CSO treats different spellings of a name have been treated as separate names.

For example, while there were 55 boys named Eoin, another 48 had the alternate spelling Eoghan.

Similarly, in 2022, if you combine the number of girls’ named Hanna (28) and Hannah (248) then it would fall into 6th place, replacing Éabha.

Variants of names and abbreviations were also treated as separate names. For example, Jack, Seán, John and Sean account for 1,088 boys.

Schools double down to be crowned ‘Ireland’s Fittest School’

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February 25, 2023

galway daily news irelands fittest school call

Galway primary pupils whose schools are competing in the search for ‘Ireland’s Fittest School’ are being encouraged to keep going over the coming weeks.

The contest’s patrons, Olympians David Gillick and Phil Healy, have told pupils to ‘double-down’ on their exercise and fitness routines as the event heads towards its March 31 finishing line.

The winner of the six-month programme will be announced in April.

Pupils from 150 schools in 24 counties are competing in this year’s programme, which is supported by Fyffes and administered online.

Its purpose is to promote the importance of exercise, fitness and healthy eating amongst young people.

Last year’s winner was Scoil Na Croise Naofa in Dunfanaghy, Co. Donegal.

More details can be found online at www.fyffesfitsquad.ie

People encouraged to “squeeze in a read” on Ireland Reads Day

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February 25, 2023

Galway Daily news Another €200,000 invested in eBooks and eAudiobooks for libraries

Two government ministers have encouraged people to ‘squeeze in a read’ on Ireland Reads Day today, February 25.

This is the third consecutive year of ‘Ireland Reads’ – a campaign designed to get the whole country reading during February.

Ministers Heather Humphreys and Simon Harris paid a visit to Raheny Library in Dublin this week, where they officially opened the new My Open Library Service.

This service is currently available in Ballinasloe and 27 other libraries across the State and allows members of the public to access their local library outside of normal opening hours.

Minister Humphreys also announced a €33 million investment in capital projects in libraries nationwide.

Local authorities will shortly be asked to submit proposals for projects in their local library facilities.

Speaking on Thursday, Minister Humphreys said the Ireland Reads campaign is all about promoting the power of reading and highlighting the benefits of reading in terms of wellbeing.

“I’m encouraging everyone to ‘squeeze in a read’ on Ireland Reads Day this Saturday and to continue to avail of the wonderful services that our local libraries have to offer.”

Speaking about the Open Library service, the minister explained that it allows people to access their local library between 8am-10pm, 365 days of the year.

“Separately, I’m pleased today to announce a new €33 million public libraries capital programme.

“This will see the delivery and upgrade of library facilities the length and breadth of the country.”

Minister turns sod on €30 million Deep Water Quay at Ros a Mhíl

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February 24, 2023

Galway Daily news Minister turns sod on €30 million Deep Water Quay at Ros a Mhíl

Minister Charlie McConalogue visited Ros a Mhíl today to mark the beginning of construction on the new €30 million Deep Water Quay at the harbour.

The 200m long quay at the Fishery Harbour Centre is being built to accommodate larger fishing vessels at the Connemara port, as well as providing more space overall.

At present Ros an Mhíl Fishery Harbour Centre has 325 metres of quayside but is limited in deep water to a maximum of -5.8 metres chart datum and experiences congestion in busy fishing seasons.

While primarily benefitting fishing vessels, the new quay will also be available to large vessels such as Irish Navy fleet, Marine Institute Research Vessels, marine survey vessels and marine leisure craft.

Welcoming the commencement of the works, the Minister said “I’m delighted to be here today to mark the start of the works on the Deep-Water quay project.”

“In this case, we are ‘making ground’ rather than breaking it, to add 200 metres of quayside to this facility so we can accommodate larger fishing vessels and attract additional landings from both Irish and non-Irish fishing vessels.“

In 2021, almost 90% of all fish landed into Ireland was into the six State-owned Fishery Harbour Centres. At Ros an Mhíl, these landings were valued at c.€15.9 million.

Work began on the project in late January, and it is expected that the Deep Water Quay will be built by December of 2024.

“With this investment, this government is recognising Ros an Mhíl Fishery Harbour Centre as an economic hub with potential for downstream development and job creation in this region,” Minister McConalogue said.

“It is fitting that a local company, Ward and Burke Construction Ltd, is undertaking the works and I have every confidence that other local businesses will seize the opportunities provided by this development in time.”

13 Galway community groups awarded energy bills grants

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February 24, 2023

Galway Daily news 13 Galway community groups awarded energy bills grants

A further 13 community and voluntary groups in Galway have been awarded just over €12,000 in grant funding to support them with their energy bills.

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys has today announced the third tranche of grants under the Community and Voluntary Energy Support Scheme (CVESS).

This scheme provides financial support to community groups, development associations, and volunteer-led organisations that are struggling with rising energy costs.

Today, a further 134 groups are to receive grants as part of an overall investment of almost €189,000, with payments to issue immediately.

In Galway funding has been awarded to:

Galway Rape Crisis Centre – €2,731
Athchúrsáil Árann Cuideachta Ghníomhaíochta Ainmnithe – €1,426
Ballinasloe Town Band – €406
Castleblakeney Community Development – €200
Carnmore Community Centre – €200
Galway Mountain Rescue Association – €240
Ballygar Tidy Towns – €245
Gort Town Hall Management – €340
Burren Lowlands – €549
Claddaghduff Hall – €724
Area Renewal Company Clifden – €1,521
Oughterard Leisure Centre – €3,357
Aughrim Development Company – €200

“Although the winter months are behind us, energy bills remain high and this is posing particular challenges for our community and voluntary sector,” Heather Humphreys said.

“The grants being announced today may be small in nature, but they will give a bit of breathing space for groups that deliver essential services, supports and facilities to communities all over Ireland.”

To date, 550 groups have been awarded funding under this scheme, which remains open to applications until March 24.

The Minister also announced today that the scheme has been extended to include organisations in receipt of Section 39 funding from the HSE.

The Ministers also confirmed that the scheme is now open to incorporated community and voluntary organisations or charities who have been refused support under the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS), on the grounds that they are engaged in passive trade.

“Our communities depend on these organisations, and it is only right that we do what we can to support them,” Minister Humphreys said.

Bobbi Lee’s scheme backfires in Ros na Rún

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February 24, 2023

Galway Daily television Bobbi Lee's scheme backfires in Ros na Rún

Bobbi Lee’s scheme backfires, Vera is angry at Caitríona’s performance, and Mack final admits that he needs help in Ros na Rún.

Bobbi Lee’s plan to keep Crystal offside backfires when Tadhg discovers she was the reason the health inspector paid them a visit.

Vera is angry that Caitríona is staying in Berni’s aparttment while she is away, but pretending to everyone else that she is homeless.

Mack admits he has a problem and looks for help. Will someone finally knock some sense into him?

John Joe is doing all he can to make amends with Manus but in doing so causes himself an injury. Will this attract some sympathy from his son?

Malachaí, jealous of the time Sadie spends painting, tries to knock her confidence and has her questioning her work.

Subterfuge, deception, and sometimes brutal honesty are what make life in Ros na Rún in a double feature omnibus on TG4 this Sunday.

Taoiseach Varadkar meeting with local businesses in Ballinasloe visit

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February 24, 2023

Galway Daily news Taoiseach Varadkar meeting with local businesses in Ballinasloe visit

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is meeting with local businesses in Ballinasloe during a visit to the Galway town today.

During the visit on Friday, Taoiseach Varadkar will meet with local businesses to discuss the extension of supports such as the 9% VAT rate and Business Energy Support Scheme.

Local Senator Aisling Dolan said that there is a lot of excitement around this visit, and that Leo Varadkar will get the chance to see the many improvements and economic opportunities in Ballinasloe.

“The Taoiseach will have the opportunity to walk the streets and see the impact of multi-million euro investment in the Ballinasloe Town Enhancement scheme – new streets, lighting & footpaths with Galway County Council.”

“The town is shining especially with so many businesses that did up shopfronts, signs, painting with the Shopfront Enhancement Scheme.”

“We also have companies interested in locations at the IDA Business & Technology Park and this is testament to a fantastic location on the motorway, train & coach stations, and college of further education in the town.”

“Quality of life with great schools, such a variety of top class sports clubs and a true sense of community spirit makes Ballinasloe a perfect location for families.”

“And with a destination stop on the new Galway to Dublin cycleway coming right into our marina and a new 5 screen cinema to open shortly – we have a lot to offer”

“There is a lot of excitement and I think it will be a really enjoyable day for people and businesses in Ballinasloe”

Dublin man faces trial over arson kit in Galway City

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February 24, 2023