Galway allocated over €45 million for major roads and greenways projects

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February 20, 2023

galway daily news new Council rejects plans for Lidl supermarket in Claregalway

Galway County Council has refused planning permission for the construction of a new Lidl supermarket in Claregalway.

Lidl sought approval to build a supermarket on a 0.75ha greenfield site in the village centre, on the eastern side of the N83.

Lidl had said that when completed, the supermarket would create 30 new jobs in the town, along with supporting 100 construction jobs when being built.

The county council refused planning permission for the new supermarket due to concerns about flooding, road safety, and the scale of the project.

The decision said that the council was not satisfied that the site is not at risk of flooding, and that potential flooding could pose a conservation hazard.

The proposed entrance onto the N83 was also raised as a potential traffic hazard, being on a “heavily trafficked route where the 50km/h speed limit applies”.

That proposed entrance also “significantly contravenes” an already approved planning application for the upgrading of the N83.

Lastly the council said that the supermarket “fails to adequately reflect or reinforce the existing urban form of the town centre” in Claregalway due to its design, scale, bulk, and layout.

The Big Gig in Galway for earthquake victims in Türkiye & Syria

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February 19, 2023

Mary Coughlan, organiser of the Big Gig. Photo credit Frank Miller

A special concert will take place in Salthill next weekend to raise funds for victims of the recent earthquake in Türkiye & Syria.

The Big Gig will feature Kíla, Mary Coughlan, Sharon Shannon, Liam O’Maonlai & friends, Tracy Bruen, Ultan Conlon, Susan O’Neill, Frances Black, Mundy & MC Hector.

The concert will take place in Leisureland, Salthill next Saturday, February 25.

After hearing Anne O’Rourke on RTE News speaking from a TIAFI Syrian refugee camp, singer Mary Coughlan decided she needed to do something and this is how The Big Gig came about.

“I’ve been talking to Anne every day since and it’s getting worse at the TIAFA camp. Everyone involved is giving their services for this concert for free. Please support it”

Team International Assistance for Integration or TIAFI ( in Turkish: Uluslararası Yardımlaşma ve Entegrasyon Derneği) is a registered charity working in Turkey.

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They act to empower the most vulnerable refugees, women and children, so that they can find the peace, security and respect they deserve.

Loads of raffle prizes to be won on the night.

Tickets, €40 from roisindubh.net and Ticketmaster.ie. For more on the charity TIAFI check out https://tiafi.org/.

Pedestrian killed in traffic collision on the N84

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February 19, 2023

Galway Daily news missing teen found safe

A man in his 30s has died after a collision involving a car and a pedestrian on the N84 in Galway this morning.

Shortly before 6:30am this morning, Gardaí were alerted to the collision at Carrowbrowne on the N84 Headford Road.

The pedestrian, a man in his 30s, was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision.

He has since been removed to the mortuary at University Hospital Galway (UHG) where a post-mortem examination will be arranged.

The driver of the car was taken to hospital for assessment only.

The road at the crash site remains closed for examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators. Local diversions are currently in place on the N84.

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.

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.

Gardaí at the scene of crash on the N84

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February 19, 2023

Gardaí and emergency services are at the scene of a road traffic collision on the N84 in Galway today.

The collision occurred at approximately 6:30am this morning.

The road is currently closed in the area of Ballindooley Cross, with local diversions in place.

No further information is available at this time.

New daily London service starting at Knock Airport

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February 19, 2023

Knock Airport will be running a new year-round, daily service to London Heathrow Airport with Aer Lingus from next month.

Starting on March 26, Aer Lingus will operate daily flights to London Heathrow, London’s biggest and most well connected and closest airport to central London.

This new service will provide a major boost for the airport and the region as it is the first time in the airports 37-year history that the airport will be connected to one of Europe’s major international airport hubs.

Joe Gilmore, Managing Director, Ireland West Airport said, “This is a major development for the West and Northwest regions as it opens up key onward connectivity, through one of Europe’s biggest hubs, to over 80 destinations worldwide.”

“The hub status of Heathrow for business and leisure passengers to connect with the global marketplace is a potential game changer for this region”.

He added that, “from a tourism perspective the service will deliver a significant increase in tourism visits from all corners of the globe.”

On top of the direct travel between Ireland and London, the new service will also see U.S services return to the west of Ireland, as passengers will be able to book flights from Knock to multiple American destinations via Heathrow.

The new route will replace the current Aer Lingus service to London Gatwick, which will cease operations on March 25.

Customers already booked on this route will be automatically rebooked on a same day flight.

Reid Moody Chief Strategy and Planning Officer at Aer Lingus said: “Our new route from Ireland West Airport to London Heathrow, accompanied with further network connectivity for our customers, is exciting for Aer Lingus and for the West of Ireland.”

“As well as direct connectivity to London Heathrow, there are significant onward connections now open to customers to North America and beyond.”

“The service will also drive inbound tourism at a time when interest in visiting the West of Ireland is very high, with the Oscar nominated Banshees of Inisherin showcasing the beauty of the West of Ireland to millions of people globally.”

Watch Cillian Murphy in the mesmerising Misterman at home

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February 19, 2023

Watch Cillian Murphy in the mesmerising Misterman at home

Watch Cillian Murphy’s electric turn on stage in the Landmark Productions and Galway International Arts Festival production of Misterman, coming directly to people’s homes in March.

Misterman received huge critical and popular acclaim when it premiered at the Black Box Theatre as part of GIAF 2011.

The play marked Cillian Murphy’s return to the stage and he gave a tour-de-force performance in this dark, dangerous and blisteringly funny tale of one man and his judgement day.

The play, directed by the award winning Enda Walsh, collaborating with Cillian Murphy once again, went on tour after its runaway success in Galway.

It showcased at the National Theatre in London, as well as in St Ann’s Warehouse in New York. It was in London where the National Theatre at Home performance of this play was filmed.

Now audiences will have another chance to see Misterman when it is streamed on NT at Home from March 14.

Producers Anne Clarke of Landmark Productions and Paul Fahy of Galway International Arts Festival said, “Misterman was a special production for many reasons.”

“We will always remember the stunned silence at the end of the first preview in the Black Box Theatre in Galway, which was broken by a thunderous roar and the sound of an entire audience leaping to their feet as one.”

“The show signalled the start of a hugely significant relationship for both companies with the work of Enda Walsh, one of the greatest writers working today.”

“Since then, Landmark and GIAF have co-produced the world premieres of Walsh’s major plays Ballyturk, Arlington and Medicine,”

“We are thrilled that audiences around the world will now have the opportunity to see Cillian’s extraordinary performance in the show that started it all, thanks to NT at Home.”

National Theatre at Home is the flagship streaming platform of the National Theatre of Great Britain – making unmissable theatre available to watch anytime, anywhere.

Featuring over 60 plays and with more added every month, NT at Home offers a huge selection and variety of theatre available exclusively to stream or rent online.

All productions on NT at Home are available with captions, with some titles also available with audio-description or British Sign Language (BSL).

Membership starts from only £9.99 a month or an annual subscription for £99.99, at 12 months for the price of 10.

Lough Derg RNLI thank retiring volunteer for years of service

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February 19, 2023

Galway Daily news Lough Derg RNLI thank retiring volunteer for years of service

The Lough Derg RNLI gave their thanks to volunteer Catherine Gleeson, retiring after five years of service as Deputy Launching Authority.

Following their February monthly meeting, volunteers at Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat Station held a party for Catherine to mark her departure.

Catherine, a lawyer by profession, said that she was sad to be leaving. She said it had been a, “great honour to volunteer at the Station for the past five years”.

She said she was “in awe of the dedication of the crew” and has “enormous respect for your bravery out on a Shout”.

Catherine added that it was a, “unique privilege when on duty to monitor and log the radio communications between the crew, the Coast Guard and casualty vessels”.

Christine O’Malley, Lifeboat Operations Manager (LOM) at Lough Derg RNLI said that both she and Catherine joined the lifeboat Operations Team at the same time.

Christine said she valued Catherine as a friend and fellow volunteer who offered sage advice as Christine took up the role of LOM at the station.

On behalf of the crew and Operations Team, helm Eleanor Hooker presented Catherine with the gift of an oil painting by Tipperary artist Áine Quinlan.

Eleanor thanked Catherine for all her hard work on behalf of the volunteers, her positivity and her brilliant sense of humour.

Galway consortium makes bid for EU Urban Innovation funding

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February 18, 2023

Galway Daily news Galway consortium makes bid for EU Urban Innovation funding

Galway City Council is leading a bid to secure EU funding from a €50 million pot to help revamp the old city centre.

A consortium of interests is making an application to the EU Urban Innovation Fund for a pilot project.

The goal of the project would be to reimagine the city centre by re-purposing existing buildings and under-utilised spaces to help address the vacancy problem in Galway.

Galway City Council has partnered in a consortium with the Atlantic Technological University, Galway Chamber of Commerce, Galway Culture Company, Northern & Western Regional Assembly (NWRA) and University of Galway to make this bid.

“Urban regeneration is complex but it is key to the sustainable development of Galway city,” says Dave Hickey, a former president of Galway Chamber, who chairs the team which put together the bid.

“A cornerstone of this project and the funding behind it will be ‘place-based participation’ – that is the involvement of the community throughout any urban redevelopment process.”

“If the community is not engaged and interacting with a project, it will not achieve its goals,” he added.

This is the first time such a wide-ranging partnership has come together to bid for EU funding aimed specifically at sustainable urban development in Galway.

CEO of Galway City Council, Brendan McGrath said that unlocking the potential of urban spaces is key to the sustainable growth of cities.

“Each of the partners brings different capabilities to the consortium which gives us a better chance of success in securing EU funding, in a highly competitive process.”

The NWRA has hitherto unused insights, he added, while the Culture Company places creativity at the heart of the project, and the two universities have experience in applying for EU funding.

Call for full report on cost of converting Martin Roundabout

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February 18, 2023

Galway Daily traffic Call for full report on cost of converting Martin Roundabout

A full financial breakdown should be provided of the money spent converting the Martin Roundabout to a signalised junction.

City Councillor Alan Cheevers requested a full financial report on the project, with a breakdown of its costs, at a recent meeting of the city council.

“At the end of the day this is taxpayers money,” Alan Cheevers said. “This construction project was supposed to be finished last August we are now six months over the end date.”

In a recent update, the city council said that it is now expected that the signalised junction will be completed by April.

The work will convert the existing Martin roundabout to a 4-arm traffic light controlled junction, along with other upgrades.

These will include the provision of cycle lanes, bus priority measures, footpaths and associated landscaping.

What was most concerning to Cllr Cheevers was the fact that the contract issued for the project contained no penalty clause.

“So, effectively, what we have done is given the contractor an open cheque book, which is concerning.”

Cllr Cheevers said that he believes the project will go over its original €5 million budget, and emphasised that this situation should not recur in any future contracts issued.

The financial report on the Martin Roundabout/Junction project is expected to be ready within two weeks.

Caitríona weaves a story of woe to earn sympathy in Ros na Rún

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February 18, 2023

Galway Daily television Caitríona weaves a story of woe to earn sympathy in Ros na Rún

Caitríona plays up the drama to get sympathy, Bobbi Lee plans to knock Crystal down a peg, and Tadhg gets a shock from Sonny in Ros na Rún.

Caitríona, desperate to get back into the house, pretends to all that she has slept in her car. In actual fact, she spent the night in a hotel.

But will this ruse work, and can she keep the story going or will Caitríona find herself without a roof over her head once again.

Bobbi Lee thinks Crystal is overstepping the mark and wanting to take her down a peg or two makes a phone call.

Tadhg is shocked when Sonny offers to sell him his land back. But is there a poisoned apple hidden in the bushel?

When Mack overreacts with Sonia and Sam, she start to question if she should continue her relationship with him.

And when Maeve fears for her mother’s safety, it’s Caitríona who has to find a way to alleviate her fears.

Catch up on the latest drama, intrigue, secrets and more that come busting out the seams of Ros na Rún at 7:30pm this Sunday on TG4.

Interfaith memorial service to support families experiencing grief

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February 18, 2023

galway daily news Galway University Hospitals holding Memorial Service

An interfaith memorial service will be held to support families experiencing grief on Thursday, 2 March at 7pm in the Ardilaun House Hotel in Galway City.

Hosted by Galway University Hospitals’ End of Life Care Committee, the annual service provides a spiritual space to support families in a supportive and empathetic environment.

It will also be an opportunity to meet other families and staff members who have shared the same journey.

Anne McKeown, End of Life Care Coordinator at GUH, explained that the theme for this year’s service is Le Chèile (together).

The service will be led by hospital staff who will share a selection of readings and reflections and songs.

“Galway University Hospitals cares for patients from a wide geographical area and we want to reach out and acknowledge the loss felt by all families and friends who have been bereaved,” said Anne McKeown.

“We hope that the bereaved will take some solace in knowing that their loved one has not been forgotten.”

For further information and to confirm attendance, contact Vivian Roche Fahy, Bereavement Liaison Officer on 091 544823 or 087 9684 271 or Anne McKeown, End of Life Care Coordinator on 091 893718 or 087 4418574.

Please confirm attendance as there is limited space in the venue.

Council refuses to extend planning for Galway City hotel

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February 18, 2023

Galway Daily news Council refuses to extend planning for Galway City hotel

Galway City Council has refused to extend planning permission for a hotel in the city’s westend which has yet to begin construction.

Carroll’s Inn, the popular bar on Dominick Street, received approval from the city council back in 2018 for a hotel with a bar and restaurant.

The developer sought a five year extension of that planning permission, citing rising costs delaying the project, but the EOD application has been rejected.

The city council refused the application as “no works have been carried out to date” on the hotel.

The council also said that it was “unlikely that substantial works could be carried out” on the hotel before the current permission expires next May.

The development would ultimately involve demolishing a building to the rear of No. 39 Dominick Street to build a four storey extension to the rear of multiple buildings on the street.

The project also involves significant renovations to 39, and 41 – 43 Dominick street which are protected structures, and would make up part of the hotel.

In seeking to extend the period of planning permission for five years, the developer said that COVID-19, and rising construction costs since the pandemic, have precluded work beginning.

“Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 global pandemic and now the rising costs of construction and energy, the build will need to be postponed based on feasibility at the moment,” the EOD application stated.

Grealish reads email in Dáil from man (35) about to emigrate due to ‘housing disaster’

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February 17, 2023

galway daily aer lingus plane as recruitment drive nears deadline

Noel Grealish TD has read an email in the Dáil from a 35-year-old tech worker who has decided to emigrate after giving up on the housing situation in the country.

The man, who is currently sharing a house with four other people, said that his colleagues are also making requests to work abroad.

Grealish said the email is reflective of emails, calls and messages he receives every week.

It reads as follows: “I work in the tech industry, and at 35, I’m renting a bedroom in a house with 4 other working professionals.

“I’ve given up on hoping that the housing disaster here will improve, so I’ve had it approved by the company I work for and will be emigrating. My colleagues are now making similar requests.

“I’m just writing to let you know of a reality that many working professionals my age deal with.

“Now with the Irish Independent reporting that house building will slow down due to costs, unless the state gets involved and builds affordable apartments and houses, there will be a brain drain in this country as we are in no position to lay roots and start families here.

“My only hope in sending this is to get your understanding how serious this problem is for so many.”

GUH performs first ‘incisionless’ surgery for oesophagus blockages

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February 17, 2023

galway daily news first surgery for blocked oesophagus at galway university hospitals — From Left, Máire Cooper, Theatre Staff Nurse; Noreen Keelan, Senior Anaesthetic Staff Nurse; Paul Carroll, Consultant Oesophagogastric and General Surgeon; Ashitosh Waidande, CNM 2, GI Theatre; and Deirdre Hoade, Senior Staff Nurse, Theatre.

Galway University Hospitals (GUH) has become the first hospital in Ireland to introduce an ‘incisionless’ minimally invasive surgery to help correct blockages of the oesophagus.

Achalasia is a rare condition which causes a blockage in the muscles of the lower oesophagus which causes difficulty in swallowing.

The procedure was carried out by Mr Paul Carroll who specialises in minimally invasive surgery and endoscopic surgery for oesophago-gastric cancer and benign disease.

Traditionally, treatment of achalasia divides the muscles of the lower oesophagus through several small incisions in the abdomen.

However, surgeons in GUH have now undertaken an incisionless procedure using Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM).

POEM uses a narrow flexible tube with a camera, to breach the lining of the oesophagus.

This tube is inserted through the mouth and can be positioned into the space between the oesophageal lining and the muscles. The breach is then closed with special clips.

One of the significant benefits of this procedure is the ability to treat a subtype of achalasia with chest pain.

Patients are discharged the following morning without pain and with resolution of symptoms.

Mr Paul Carroll, Consultant Oesophagogastric and General Surgeon at Galway University Hospitals, thanked his team for their support in bringing the procedure to Irish patients.

“I am personally delighted that I have been able to introduce this procedure into Ireland for treatment of this disease process,” said Mr Carroll.

“It would not have been possible without the support and training I received whilst on fellowship in the University of Toronto and finally without the unwavering support of the late Marie Farragher, Clinical Nurse Manager in theatre and her team of nurses for pushing boundaries with me.”

Chris Kane, General Manager of Galway University Hospitals also praised the innovation.

“These innovations focus on and enhance the patient experience. They improve care and treatment options for all our communities and we are delighted to add this innovative surgery at GUH.”

Government urged to introduce spring bonus for social welfare

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February 17, 2023

Galway Daily news Fewer than 4,000 remain on pandemic unemployment in Galway

Claire Kerrane TD has urged the government to introduce a spring bonus for those relying on working age social welfare payments.

The government is expected to make an announcement on extra supports next week – double welfare payments could be announced on Tuesday.

Deputy Kerrane said that a spring bonus payment would provide much-needed support to hard-pressed households struggling with the cost of living crisis.

The Roscommon-Galway TD said that the cost of living is sky-high and households are struggling with record energy bills, rising food costs and increased mortgage repayments.

The TD accused the government of “flying kites” about introducing possible measures next week, while An Tanaiste Micheál Martin this week accused Sinn Féin of playing “clever politics” in relation to the issue.

Kerrane said: “We know from past experience that when this government acts they do too little, too late.”

“We need to see the government deliver for people who need support now.”

Fund of over €500k approved for schools to employ Irish language assistants

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February 17, 2023

galway daily news scoil bhide language assistant scheme

A fund worth over half a million euro has been approved today for language assistants in schools in Gaeltacht service towns and Irish Language Networks.

Five schools in Galway City have already had a language plan approved under the scheme: Coláiste na Coiribe, Scoil Fhursa, Scoil Bhride, Scoil Iognáid agus Gaelscoil Dara.

The additional funding announced today means more schools will be able to employ a language assistant as part of the language planning process.

Glór na nGael will be responsible for administering the Language Assistants’ Scheme on behalf of the Department of the Gaeltacht.

Up to 27 schools that operate through Irish could benefit from the measure, and approximately 25 language assistants are expected to be employed when the scheme is in full swing.

Lorcán Mac Gabhann, Head of Glór na nGael, said that this scheme will definitely have a positive impact on the development of the language in the participating schools.

“It will be a great and valuable advantage for the communities in the Gaeltacht service towns and the Irish Language Networks. We look forward to working with the community committees, schools, parents and principals in these areas,” he said.

“This is another part of the language planning that connects with other Glór na nGael schemes such as Fondúireacht Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha, Céimeanna, Gradaim Gnó na hÉireann, Teanga Tí agus Comórtas Náisiúnta Ghlór na nGael.”

Three changes to Connacht squad for Zebre away game

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February 17, 2023

Galway Daily sport Connacht squad named for Edinburgh trip — photo credit: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy

Three changes have been made to the Connacht side that will face Zebre this weekend in Italy.

Connacht are headed to Parma to face Zebre RFC at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi this Saturday, with kick-off at 3:05pm Irish time.

Head Coach Pete Wilkins has stuck with the majority of the side that enjoyed a bonus-point win over the Emirates Lions, including the same set of backs led by captain Jack Carty.

In the pack Josh Murphy moves from the back row to second row, where he’s joined by Niall Murray who wins his 50^thcap. Buckley and Tierney-Martin are named at loosehead prop and hooker respectively,

Cian Prendergast and Caolin Blade come into the starting squad after being released from Ireland camp, while there’s a potential debut off the bench for hooker Eoin de Buitléar.

Commenting on the team selection, Director of Rugby Andy Friend says, “Everyone enjoyed a well-earned break after the Lions game, and now it’s all about getting back to work and playing our best rugby.”

“We travel to Italy conscious that we’ll be up against a good Zebre side eager to get their first win of the season, but also confident that we can get the job done if we play to our abilities.”

CONNACHT RUGBY MATCHDAY 23 VS ZEBRE PARMA

Saturday 18^th February, 15:05 Irish time @ Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi

Number/Name/Caps

15. Tiernan O’Halloran (218)
14.Diarmuid Kilgallen (14)
13. Tom Farrell (93)
12. Cathal Forde (8)
11. John Porch (73)
10. Jack Carty (193) (C)
9. Caolin Blade (167)
1. Denis Buckley (224)
2. Dylan Tierney-Martin (16)
3. Jack Aungier (44)
4. Josh Murphy (12)
5. Niall Murray (49)
6. Cian Prendergast (39)
7. Conor Oliver (56)
8. Jarrad Butler (108)

16. Eoin de Buitléar *
17. Jordan Duggan (35)
18. Sam Illo (7)
19. Darragh Murray (6)
20. Shamus Hurley-Langton (13)
21. Kieran Marmion (225)
22. Tom Daly (74)
23. Adam Byrne (5)

Engineering works disrupting regular Galway train services this weekend

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February 17, 2023

Some disruption is expected to train services between Galway and Dublin this weekend, with bus transfers and limited cancellations.

Irish Rail is carrying out engineering works on the line between Sallins and Kildare this Saturday & Sunday, which will affect regularly scheduled services.

One evening train tomorrow has been cancelled, while multiple others will be running bus transfers at different locations.

On Saturday, service disruptions will mostly be confined to the evening time, while on Sunday it is morning trains which have been affected by the works.

Saturday, February 18

17:30 Heuston to Galway will be bus transfers from Heuston to Tullamore and Athlone, second bus transfer from Heuston to Clara and Athlone, third bus transfer from Portarlington to Tullamore and Athlone, train at 19:45hrs from Athlone to Galway
18:30 Heuston to Galway is cancelled
19:35 Heuston to Galway will be bus transfers direct from Heuston to Athlone, second bus transfer from Heuston to Tullamore and Athlone, third bus transfer from Portarlington to Tullamore and Athlone, train at 21:35hrs from Athlone to Galway
17:20 Galway to Heuston will operate to Athlone only, bus transfers direct from Athlone to Heuston, second bus transfer from Athlone to Portarlington and Heuston, third bus transfer from Athlone to Tullamore, Portarlington, Kildare, Newbridge and Heuston
19:20 Galway to Heuston will operate to Athlone only, bus transfers direct from Athlone to Heuston, second bus transfer from Athlone to Portarlington and Heuston, third bus transfer from Athlone to Clara, Tullamore, Portarlington and Heuston

Sunday, February 19

08:00 Heuston to Galway will be bus transfers from Heuston to Kildare and Portarlington, train at 09:15hrs from Portarlington to Galway
11:00 Galway to Heuston is deferred to 11:25hrs

Inland Fisheries Ireland seeking recruits to patrol waterways

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February 17, 2023