Home Blog Page 244

An Bord Pleanála rejects appeal against backup gas power plant

0
Galway Daily news Galway sports clubs share in €2.5 million energy costs support

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.

Galway Senator condemns “rotten, corrupt” saga at Inland Fisheries Ireland

0
Galway Daily news Galway Senator condemns "rotten, corrupt" saga at Inland Fisheries Ireland

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.”

Pete Wilkins signs three year deal as Connacht Rugby Head Coach

0
Galway Daily sport Pete Wilins signs three year deal as Connacht Rugby Head Coach

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.”

First record of Ireland’s deadliest spider eating tiny protected mammal

0
Galway Daily news Ireland's most venomous spider could be more toxic than believed

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 traffic: Martin Roundabout to close overnight this week

0
galway daily news martin roundabout traffic update gaway city council

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 Kyne welcomes govt’s cost-of-living package

0
Galway Daily news Details announced for reopened Pandemic Unemployment scheme

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.”

Local hoteliers welcome extension of 9% tourism VAT rate

0
galway daily news hotel bookings covid-19

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.”

Water supply in east Galway village to be disrupted on Tuesday night

0
Galway Daily news Water outages in Moycullen

Galway County Council have alerted the community around Ahascragh in east Galway that they will be without a supply of water for a time tonight.

The water outage will last for six hours and is scheduled so that essential maintenance works can take place.

The county council said this afternoon that the areas which will be affected are Killure, Ervallagh, Creggana, Ballyglass and Lissyegan.

The disruption will take place from 10pm until 4am tonight.

How to Travel With Your dog in a Campervan

0
Galway Daily news Plans in the works for new Dog Park near Oranmore

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!

  1. 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

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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!

  1. 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.

Emergency department at UHG under severe pressure

0
Galway Daily news

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.

Galway Gardaí renew appeal following fatal collision on Headford Road

0
Galway Daily news missing teen found safe

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.

Winter returns as temperatures set to fall below 0°

0
Galway Daily weather weather warning for low temperature and ice

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.

Govt issues warning as scam texts rise in Galway

0

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.

Paddy’s Day junkets for ministers should be a thing of the past says PBP

0
Galway Daily news Weekend of Fun for St. Patrick's Festival 2024 in Galway City

Galway’s People Before Profit representatives have criticised the upcoming St Patrick’s Day trips by local TDs Hildegarde Naughton, Anne Rabbitte, and 34 other Ministers and Junior Ministers.

Hildegarde Naughton is set to visit Miami and Mexico, while Anne Rabbitte will go to South Africa.

PBP rep Adrian Curran said that it is time that the merits of sending government representatives around the globe on “publicly-funded junkets” every St Patrick’s Day were “seriously questioned”.

“We’re paying for these trips, but so is the planet,” he said.

Maisie McMaster, People Before Profit rep for Galway City West, pointed to the climate impact of the journeys.

“In a time when it is vital we drastically reduce carbon emissions, sending Ministers around the globe on unnecessary long-haul flights sends entirely the wrong message.

“By a very conservative estimate, these trips will produce as many tonnes of carbon emissions as the average Irish person produces in 6 years. By any measure that is reckless behaviour by the government.”

Hoteliers express VAT concerns amid decrease in British tourists

0
galway daily news tourism figures from britain to ireland

The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) has again expressed concerns that a potential increase in tourism VAT would undermine the recovery in Irish tourism.

The federation was responding to figures from Fáilte Ireland this morning which show substantial decreases in visitors from key overseas markets in 2022 compared to 2019.

Passenger arrivals for last year from Britain and the US were down 21% and 20% respectively when compared to 2019.

Denyse Campbell, IHF President, said that with these figures, the government cannot justify increasing Ireland’s tourism VAT rate, making it the third highest in Europe.

“A tourism VAT rate of 13.5% would undermine our competitiveness and result in people paying an additional €400m more in taxes each year on everything from the price of a cup of coffee, to the price of a meal out, a stay in a hotel and the cost of a wedding,” she said.

“That’s a 50% increase in consumer taxes for Irish tourism services during a cost-of-living crisis when both Irish consumers and overseas visitors are under enormous financial pressure.”

Ms Campbell said hoteliers and tourism operators are particularly concerned about the UK market for 2023 and beyond, with the country facing a bleak economic outlook with inflation hitting a four-decade high.

“Our main focus should be on securing the recovery over the next 12 months – doing everything we can to safeguard livelihoods and the long-term prospects for our industry.

“We should do nothing to put the recovery in tourism at risk and are urging the Government to retain the 9% VAT rate.”

Initiatives to support health and wellbeing of Ukrainian refugees

0
galway daily news ukrainian refugee projects

A number of initiatives to support the health and wellbeing of Ukrainian refugees will be supported by the Community Response Forum.

The forum was created by Galway City Council to assist Ukrainian refugees living in Galway city.

Galway Sports Partnership, Healthy Galway City, the Galway City Council Arts Office, in partnership with Galway City Partnership and Volunteer Galway, are collaborating to offer projects based on the local needs of individuals and families who have been displaced.

A broad range of projects are being rolled out to support participation in recreational, physical, creative, social and cultural activities to assist Ukrainian refugees to adapt to their new surroundings.

A number of programmes will be accessible for both Ukrainians and local residents.

A series of activities are planned for children, adults and families including physical activities and adapted sessions for older adults, Woodlands for Health, circus skills workshops, excursions and family fun days.

Projects will also offer therapeutic interventions to provide support in coping with the trauma of war and displacement, including trauma-informed workshops, music and art therapy courses.

Galway City Council is seeking Expressions of Interest from Ukrainian persons living in Galway City who have been displaced due to the war.

Those interested in attending any of these activities or events should complete the EOI from by visiting https://www.galwaycity.ie/UkrainianWellbeing

For more information, contact Healthy Galway City Coordinator Aisling Colreavy (Tel: 085 821 7547 / email: aisling.colreavy@galwaycity.ie

Two new outdoor gyms unveiled at University of Galway

0
galway daily news university of galway new outdoor gym unveiled
At the official opening of the new outdoor gyms at University of Galway were students and staff members, from left, Nike Monisola Awoyemi, student; Ande Eglite, General Operative, Anas Malamel Salim, student; Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, University of Galway President; Virginia Connolly, Supervisor, Facilities Services; Tom Kind, Capital Projects Officer; Bernie Lambe, General Operative; David Donnolly, Gardner; and Diarmaid Mahon, Supervisor, Grounds and Landscaping. Credit – Aengus McMahon.

Two new outdoor gyms have been created on the University of Galway campus – one on College Green opposite the Quadrangle, and a second in front of the Arts Millennium Building.

The all-weather gyms include exercise bikes, leg press, chest press and shoulder press, a pull down rowing machine, cross trainers, walkers, steppers, and hand bikes and shoulder wheel stations, along with seating areas and water fountains.

A quarter of the fitness equipment has been specially designed to accommodate the needs and requirements of people with a physical disability.

The gym equipment forms part of a wider Sports For All initiative which is being rolled out to provide modern, outdoor fitness facilities for students, staff, members of the public and visitors to campus.

President of University of Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, said: “In line with our value of openness, we want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to improve their physical health while making our campus a more open and inviting environment for everyone.

“The space is accessible to all, is for everyone to share, and it will offer people a welcome opportunity to improve their health, fitness and wellbeing.

“We hope our university community and the wider community makes the most of the facilities as we develop plans to build on this across campus.”

Sai Gujulla, President of University of Galway Students’ Union, said that outdoor gyms are a fantastic way of staying active and at the same time spending time with your friends.

“It’s a great initiative by University of Galway offering this facility for free for students on campus.”

Connemara artistic duo bringing spectacle to Cairde Sligo Arts Festival

0

Connemara based Twisted Lane Productions are bringing their breathtaking brand of spectacle theatre to Cairde Sligo Arts Festival this summer.

Aoife and Mark Curry always aim to excite, intrigue and astonish audiences with the highest quality, one of a kind spectacle experience.

The duo have been working internationally on large scale circus and spectacle shows since 2014 and have worked with companies such as Cirque Du Soleil, Franco Dragone and MGM.

They are excited to bring this extensive experience in large scale spectacle into their own work and to the Irish audience.

The artists will be in residence in the lead up to and during the festival which gives them time and space to research and develop the creation of a spectacle performance.

Twisted Lane’s work will be inspired by a traditional circus, and set in a mature forest.

This is part of a longer creation process and Sligo audiences will have the opportunity to see the work in progress at this year’s arts festival.

Cairde Festival Director Tara McGowan said, “We are excited to work with Aoife and Mark who we have been developing a relationship with since their return to Ireland in 2021.”

“We are very interested in their artistic background and experience; their way of working, their connection with landscape and their artistic ideas.”

Cairde Sligo Arts Festival is one of two Irish festivals leading projects as part of EFFEA – the European Festival Fund for Emerging Artists.

It is this European funding which has allowed the festival to host the Connemara artists in residence.

“The EFFEA award provides a perfect opportunity for us to support them at the starting point of the development of a large-scale piece of work,” Tara explained.

Cairde has also partnered with PASSAGE Festival in Helsingør, Denmark – one of Northern Europe’s largest street theatre festivals and Oerol Festival on the island of Terschelling in the Netherlands.

The latter has come to be known as one of the most exceptional landscape arts festivals in Europe.

It has been described as ‘Imagine the Edinburgh Fringe Festival marooned on an island in the North Sea’.

Mark and Aoife’s work will be showcased at both of those festivals once it is completed in 2024/25.

Almost 90 patients on trolleys in Galway hospitals today

0
Galway Daily news

There are almost 90 people waiting on trolleys in Galway’s hospitals today, with UHG the third most overcrowded in Ireland.

INMO Trolley/Ward Watch figures show that there are 56 patients without a bed at University Hospital Galway today.

Of those, there are 43 people on trolleys in the emergency department, and another 13 without a bed in the wards.

Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe is also experiencing a bad day for overcrowding, with 30 people on trolleys.

There are 20 people waiting for a bed in the emergency department, and 10 more in the wards with no bed available.

According to INMO figures there are a total of 655 people on trolleys in Irish hospitals today.

The worst affected by this overcrowding are University Hospital Limerick, where 109 people are waiting for a bed; Cork, where 63 are on trolleys, and UHG.

Housing Minister issues draft directions to change City Development Plan

0
Galway Daily news

The Minister for Housing has issued draft directions to the city council to make a number of changes to the new city development plan.

The draft directions to the city council come on the basis of recommendations made by the Office of the Planning Regulator.

Acting on these recommendations, Minister Eamon Ryan has issued notice for 25 changes to be made to the Galway City Development Plan 2023-2029.

This includes reinstating 14 zoning objectives to the draft GCDP, and removing another 11 zoning objectives from the plan.

The Minister has decided not to follow one recommendation made by the OPR that lands in Rahoon should revert from Residential zoning to Agricultural in the new plan.

This is due to the fact that Irish Water has confirmed that the subject lands are serviced by public water and wastewater services, making them suitable for housing development.

They are also contiguous to other residential zoned land, and next to the already developed area of Galway City, “thereby the zoning of these lands for residential development is
reasonable in a city context”.

The Office of the Planning Regulator was set up in 2019 based on recommendations by the Mahon Tribunal.

Its job is to ensure that local authorities and An Bord Pleanála’s actions support and implement government policy.