Cash grants for Galway companies and community groups available in February

-

February 17, 2023

Galway Daily business Expleo creating 70 jobs in Galway with new regional hub

Technology company Expleo has some welcome news for Galway with the announcement of 70 new jobs being created here.

The global technology, engineering and consulting service provider has announced the opening of a new innovation hub here in Galway.

Expleo has also announced that it will be investing €5 million in expanding its life sciences and engineering R&D divisions to be headquartered here.

Both of these new additions will based out of Galway Technology Centre in Mervue, and it is expected that the 70 new jobs will be filled out by the end of 2024.

Phil Codd, Managing Director, Expleo Ireland, said, “We are delighted to be continuing our regional expansion plans with the opening of our Galway hub.”

“As Expleo continues to go from strength to strength on the island of Ireland, these hubs will provide us with the talent and momentum we need to deliver on our ambitious growth plans.”

Along with the 200 new jobs the company announced last June, this latest addition will bring Expleo’s total workforce in Ireland up to 1,000 people.

Expleo’s life sciences division focuses on product development for the medtech and pharmaceutical sectors, while the engineering team is focused on automation.

The jobs created will be in the areas of mechanical, electrical and digital engineering, as well as business consulting and software development and testing.

Teams located in Galway, and those working in client sites located in the West of Ireland, will be carrying out work on behalf of international clients who are based in Ireland.

“Our new hub in Galway will provide cutting-edge services to businesses operating in the life sciences, software and automotive industries, helping them to innovate at speed and scale.”

“Galway’s economy is thriving, and we are excited to be a part of it while also contributing to its growth,” Phil Codd said.

This will be the second of a series of regional office hubs announced by Expleo, the first of which opened at Mahon, Cork in 2022.

Planning approval for Spiddal housing development

By

-

February 17, 2023

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

Planning permission has been granted by the county council for a housing development on the north side of Spiddal Village.

Hyman Properties Ltd has been given approval for the construction of 15 houses on the Baile Árd road.

The eight semi-detached and seven terraced houses will be built at the existing Ard na Speire development.

In order to comply with Part V planning law requirements, two semi-detached houses will be transferred to the county council for social or affordable housing.

The plans also include two landscaped green areas located to the north and south west ends of the site.

A Linguistic Impact Statement was submitted after the council requested it, as this development is located within the Gaeltacht.

It confirmed that three houses in the estate shall be reserved for Irish speaking members of the community.

Planning permission for the project was ultimately granted by the county council with 32 conditions attached.

Condition No. 13 stipulated that a minimum of 80% of the houses permitted shall be restricted to those who can “demonstrate the ability to preserve and culture of the Gaeltacht” for a period of 15 years, unless otherwise agreed with the council.

All of the houses are also restricted to individual buyers in the first instance, with bulk purchases by corporate entities not allowed.

The developer must also pay a contribution of €59,896.05 to the county council towards the provision of services and facilities for the area.

Massive increase in theft of imported second-hand cars

By

-

February 17, 2023

Galway Daily news Six people hospitalised after crash in Connemara — SAMSUNG

There was a massive increase in the number of cars stolen last year, particularly among second-hand imported cars.

Over 4,000 vehicles were reported stolen in Ireland last year, an increase of 52% on 2021, which Gardaí say is driven by the theft of imported, second hand cars from outside the European market.

This trend, according to An Garda Síochána, may be traced to the fact that the most commonly stolen models lack security features.

For instance, many second-hand car imports do not have a fully fitted car alarm system or are without a fitted immobiliser. This makes them vulnerable to hot-wiring.

If the model has a keyless ignition it has proven possible to pick up a signal from the key fob from within the house where it is parked.

Sergeant Mark Bolger, Garda National Crime Prevention Office, said, “Car theft especially that of second-hand imported vehicles is on the rise.

“Cars imported from international markets are not automatically manufactured with the same security features as cars manufactured for the European market.”

“We urge buyers and owners of vehicles to confirm the security features of import vehicles, especially to check if there is an in-built immobiliser and to consider additional security options.”

He said that people who own, or who are going to buy a car, can take steps to try and ensure its safety.

Safety advice:

Buyers should check the security features of their vehicles and make decisions relating to augmenting security.
For cars without an immobiliser, additional steering wheel lock or chain should be considered.

General vehicle security advice:

Do not leave valuables on show
Lock doors and fully close windows
Fit an alarm
Retrofit an Immobiliser or use a physical lock
Install a tracker
Use physical security features such as a steering wheel lock and catalytic convertor lock
Fit theft-resistant number plate fittings
Park under streetlights
Park where there is CCTV when possible

Galway Sports Partnership allocated €350,000 for 2023

By

-

February 16, 2023

Galway Daily sport Galway Sports Partnership allocated €350,000 for 2023

Galway Sports Partnership has been allocated a total of just under €350,000 for its costs, accessibility, and sports programming in 2023.

Sports Ireland has this week announced €26 million in funding for National Governing Bodies for Sport (NGBs) and to the network of Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) for 2023.

In total, €10,365,000 is being allocated to 29 Local Sports Partnerships, with an emphasis placed on human resourcing.

Additional funding has been provided for LSPs Development Officers and Sport Inclusion Disability Officers to continue making local sports more accessible to all.

Galway Sports Partnership will receive €266,458 for staff and operational costs, another €65,500 for programme funding, and €10,000 for women in sport.

Age & Opportunity will receive €620,000 for their “Go for Life” programme, while Cara Sport Inclusion Ireland will receive €140,000 for Disability Awareness and Disability Inclusion programmes.

Chief Executive of Sport Ireland, Una May, commented, “The Core Grant Funding will enable Sport Ireland to further support our National Governing Bodies of Sport and Local Sports Partnerships to provide equal opportunities in sport for everyone.”

“This investment through the NGBs and LSPs will play an important part in increasing activity levels of people in Sport in Ireland and removing the barriers and preventative aspects for getting involved in sport.”

From the €26 million package, the larger share of €16 million will go to national governing bodies for sports in Ireland, an increase of €1 million on last year’s funding.

This 6% increase in what NGBs are receiving compared with 2022 is an acknowledgement of the rising costs of administration, and also provides a cost-of-living boost.

Minister of State for Sport and Physical Education Thomas Byrne said, “This significant funding package will support the implementation of important programmes and activities through the National Governing Bodies of Sport and the Local Sports Partnerships in 2023.”

“Cost of living pressures are having an impact across the sector and the increased funding announced today, allied to the significant cost of energy supports provided by Government, will ensure that sports clubs across the country are supported in addressing the challenge of rising costs.”

A full breakdown of the allocation of funding to different sports bodies can be found in the 2023 Core Funding Brochure from Sports Ireland.

Green light given for Tuam housing development

By

-

February 16, 2023

Galway daily news Knocknacarra social housing

Galway County Council has given the green light for the construction of a residential development of 27 houses on the south side of Tuam town.

Limekin Construction has received planning permission for a housing estate on land next to the existing Tir an Choir estate, off Barrack Street.

The estate will comprise a mix of two and three bedroom terraced and semi-detached houses.

Five of these will be sold to the council to comply with Part V planning requirements for social or affordable housing.

Planning permission was granted for the residential development by the county council with a total of 18 conditions attached.

One condition stipulated that all of the houses in the estate may only be sold to individual buyers, rather than bulk purchased by corporate entities.

The developer must also pay a contribution of €80,604 to the county council towards the provision of public facilities serving the area.

The council planning inspector noted that the site comprises the last remaining “derelict/redundant” lands within the larger Tir na Choir residential area, and that completing the site would enhance the overall area.

Revised parking layouts, along with a Road Safety Audit and a letter from Irish Water confirming the feasibility of connecting to the public water and sewage system were submitted after a request for further information from the council.

Ros na Rún headed for 2,000th episode milestone

By

-

February 16, 2023

RnaR-9970 — Gráinne Bleasdale, Gearóid Ó Ciobháin and Caitriona Ní Dhomhnaill pictured at TG4’s Ros na Rún Wrap Party in the Connemara Coast Hotel celebrating Season 27. Photo Martina Regan

TG4’s Irish language soap opera Ros na Rún is going to hit a milestone in television history next month as it passes 2,000 episodes.

Filming for the 27th season of Ros na Rún wrapped up on the dedicated set in An Spideál last week, with the cast and crew celebrating another successful year.

The current series of the rural based drama will continue to be broadcast on TG4 and will come to an explosive climax on June 15.

But before that, Ros na Rún will hit its 2,000th episode on March 16 during Seachtain na Gaeilge.

It’s been quite the rollercoaster of emotions and storylines throughout Season 27, with property drama, betrayals and romance, and the literal digging up of old skeletons.

1 of 2

The uncovery of Caitriona’s uncles’ remains on Sonny’s site has sent her ego to dizzying heights, and is about to leave her homeless, not to mention costing her the respect of her daughter.

Life is never without drama for Caitriona, but has she turned everyone against herself this time, even Meabh?

Viewers are keenly following Sonia, Mack and Sam. Is Vera right that Sam is looking for his mother’s attention more and more by rebelling and playing truant.

Is stealing from an Siopa the start of Sam’s rebellious chapter. How will Sonia cope as a single mum?

Will Mack be there to support her or is Rory about to push Mack’s buttons and reveal his growing “coke” habit.

Will Sorcha and Greg regret having betrayed Michelle’s friendship and loyalty to the degree they have? Or will there be any lesson for the thieving duo at all?

1 of 2

That’s just a taste of the drama and intrigue that has been tantalising viewers all season, and it’s far from over yet.

There’s plenty of surprises in store for viewers in the weeks to come, including the return of some long lost Ros na Rún faces.

Ros na Rún is sponsored by XL Ireland and is co-production between Tyrone Productions in Dublin and Danú Media in Connemara for TG4.

Employing 160 people when filming on the purpose built set at Ros na Rún in an Spidéal, Ros na Rún is the largest independent artistic and TV production outside of Dublin.

Stay tuned Tuesday and Thursday 8:30pm on TG4, with the omnibus on Sunday at 7:30pm, for what has proven to be another vibrant series of Ros na Rún.

The village of secrets will continue to keep viewers entertained and enthralled with drama and serious life challenges, many of which are speckled with comedy.

Plans for Oranmore Padel courts knocked back

By

-

February 16, 2023

Galway Daily sport Plans for Oranmore Padel courts knocked back — Photo: Oliver Sjostrom via Pexels

Plans to open a new Padel Club in Oranmore have been knocked back, with the lands deemed unsuitable for the sports facilities.

Galway Padel Club sought approval from the county council to build five Padel courts at Deerpark Industrial Estate, Oranmore.

The plans also included changing rooms and sanitary facilities, a manager’s office, along with car and bicycle parking.

However, the council has refused planning permission for the sports facility, due to the land use zoning in the industrial estate.

The decision noted that these lands are zoned Industrial, “where Recreational/Leisure uses are not normally permitted”.

As it would be contrary to objectives of the Metropolitan Strategic Area Plan for Oranmore, allowing the sports facilities would be “contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area”, the decision states.

Padel is a racket sport which has grown in popularity recently, played in doubles using solid rackets, on an enclosed court.

Galway lotto players claimed €21 million in high-tier prizes since 2020

By

-

February 16, 2023

galway daily news Galway lotto players claim €21 million in high-tier prizes since 2020

Galway lotto players have together taken home more than €21 million in high-tier prizes in the past three years.

Figures from the National Lottery show that there have been 52 winners of high-tier Lotto prizes in Galway since the start of 2020, including six new millionaires.

This is according to the National Lottery ‘high tier prizes report’ which captures all draw based game prize wins (Lotto, EuroMillions, Daily Million, Telly Bingo & Millionaire Raffle).

This covers prizes in excess of €15,000 for regular tickets, or €10,000 for online players, from January 2020 until January 2023.

High-tier prize earnings in Galway during that period came to a total of €21,481,878, with the largest single prize being a whopping €7.3 million jackpot in April of 2020.

Other massive prizes in Galway during the last three years include a syndicate of street cleaners who won €5.5 million last August, and another syndicate which claimed €2.5 million in July of 2021.

Over the past three years, there have been 102 new Lotto millionaires in Ireland, with over 1,100 players sharing over €470 million alone in high tier prizes.

Since 2020, Dublin has unsurprisingly topped the charts for National Lottery wins with over €68 million paid out to 275 players, 22 of which won prizes in excess of €1 million.

In the last three years, ten separate millionaires were made in Co. Cork while Galway and Mayo have had six new millionaires each.

Mayo’s biggest winners include the record-breaking Lotto jackpot win of €19.06 million which was claimed by a Mayo family syndicate in January 2021.

Online players continued to win big for the past three years also with 194 winners claiming over €95 million in high tier prizes.

Included in these winners were 17 brand new millionaires, the biggest of which was a Dublin player who scooped a EuroMillions jackpot worth €49.5 million in July 2020.

Body, Bodies, Embodied – Intimate exhibition at 126 Artist-Run Gallery

By

-

February 16, 2023

126 Artist-Run Gallery in Galway City is delighted to present the public with Body, Bodies, Embodied, a duo show by artists Day Magee and Dónal Talbot featuring an intimate exploration of queer identity.

‘The body is a vessel …of sorts’ – so begins and ends a poem by Dónal Talbot which encapsulates some of what the two artists are achieving here, using the body as a medium to express different aspects of identity.

For Body, Bodies, Embodied, two young artists come together to represent a spectrum of intimate and extroverted expressions of the queer self.

Magee and Talbot take the concept of ‘body’ and imbue their musings and convictions into an exhibition that is both in conversation and in contrast with itself.

Talbot captures everyday life for queer individuals through photographic mediums and poetry, and Magee expresses narrativisations of queerness and disability through performance work, lens-based images, words, and mixed media with AI experimentation.

Their explorations firmly situate this show within the wider embrace of 126 Gallery’s 2023 Visual Arts Programme ‘Alchemical Vessels’.

The exhibit, curated by Mary McGraw and Méabh Noonan, will run at 126 Gallery until February 26, and is open to the public from 12pm – 6pm, Monday – Sunday.

The Artists

Day Magee is a performance-centred multimedia artist and writer based in Dublin, whose work has taken them across Ireland and abroad.

They have performed since 2011 as part of Livestock and the Dublin Live Art Festival, and graduated from Limerick School of Art and Design in Sculpture & Combined Media in 2021.

By their penultimate year they had exhibited as part of TULCA Festival here in Galway, and taken part group shows across Ireland and abroad,

They were also nominated for the Future Generation Art Prize 2020, its Irish partner platform Pallas Projects/ Studios, and shortlisted for the RDS Visual Arts Awards.

Magee’s work concerns the induction and enactment of temporality and subjectivity via bodily vectors, and the lived mythographies of selfhood – the stories we tell ourselves about ourselves as simultaneously lived out.

Dónal Talbot is an artist and photographer based in Dublin whose work is predominantly based in portraiture.

He uses its intimate qualities to showcase and empower the LGBTQ+ community through representation in art.

Often employing a soft lens, Talbot’s work hopes to capture his subjects in natural light with unedited backgrounds in the hopes of capturing a real and honest depiction of everyday life.

Talbot graduated from the National College of Art and Design in 2017, and has since been featured in i-D Magazine, The Face and exhibited in the Belfast Photo Festival.

His work was recently published in the photo book ‘New Queer Photography’, alongside a selection of 40 other international LGBTQ+ artists.

Style Guide: Dressing for a Day at the Races

By

Angela Mc Bride

-

February 16, 2023

A day at the races is one of the most glamorous events of the year, and with all of the best racing festivals still ahead of us in 2023 including Cheltenham, Fairyhouse Easter Festival, and of course, Galway Racing Festival. For many women, it’s the perfect opportunity to dress up and show off their style. From stunning hats to flowing dresses, the fashion on display is always a highlight of the event.

Dress code

When it comes to dressing for a day at the races, it’s important to remember that the dress code can vary depending on the event. Some races may require a more formal attire, while others may be more relaxed. Be sure to check the dress code before you start planning your outfit, so you can make sure you’re dressed appropriately.

Outfit planning

Once you know the dress code, it’s time to start thinking about your outfit. A classic option is a flowing sundress, paired with a stylish hat and a pair of heels. A sundress is the perfect choice for a day at the races because it’s comfortable, feminine, and stylish. Choose a dress in a bold color or print to make a statement, or opt for a classic neutral like black or white for a more understated look.

Accessories

When it comes to accessories, hats are a must-have for a day at the races. They not only protect you from the sun, but they also add an extra touch of glamour to your outfit. There are many different styles to choose from, including wide-brimmed, fascinator, and fedora hats. Don’t be afraid to choose a hat in a bold color or pattern to complement your dress.

Alternatively, for those who want to add a touch of sophistication to their look, a fascinator is the perfect accessory. These delicate hairpieces are the perfect way to add a touch of glamour to your outfit and make a statement. You can choose a simple and elegant style or a more elaborate design to suit your personal taste.

When it comes to jewelry, less is often more when dressing for a day at the races. Choose a statement piece, like a statement necklace or bold earrings, to add some extra sparkle to your outfit. You can also add a touch of glamour with a clutch or handbag. Choose a bag in a coordinating color or print to your dress for a cohesive look.

Footwear

Another important accessory to consider is a pair of heels. Whether you opt for stilettos, wedges, or kitten heels, a pair of heels will elevate your look and make you feel confident and stylish. If you’re not comfortable in heels, consider a pair of stylish flats or sandals. Just be sure to choose a shoe that is appropriate for the occasion and will keep you comfortable throughout the day.

Check the weather

Another important factor to consider when dressing for a day at the races is the weather. Make sure you check the forecast ahead of time and dress accordingly. If the weather is expected to be hot and sunny, opt for lightweight fabrics and light colors to keep you cool. If it’s expected to be cool, choose a heavier fabric and layer your outfit with a light jacket or sweater.

Makeup

When it comes to makeup, keep it simple and elegant. Opt for a natural-looking foundation and a light dusting of powder to keep your skin looking fresh and glowing. For your eyes, choose a subtle smoky eye or a neutral eye shadow paired with a bold eyeliner. Finish off your look with a neutral lipstick or a pop of color to match your dress. Complete the entire ensemble with a spritz of your best vanilla perfume which will provide an attractive scent throughout the day.

In conclusion

A day at the races is the perfect opportunity to dress up and show off your style. Whether you opt for a classic sundress, a statement hat, or a sophisticated fascinator, remember to choose an outfit that makes you feel confident and stylish. With these tips in mind, you’ll be sure to turn heads and be the best-dressed woman at the races

Free pest control webinar for food businesses

By

-

February 16, 2023

Galway Daily news Galway has third highest level of callouts for rodents

Food businesses are being encouraged to attend a free webinar on pest control on Wednesday, 1 March, hosted by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI).

The event, which will take place between 10am and 10.45am, is part of a series of informal virtual meetings for food businesses and for people who may be thinking of setting up a food business.

Participants will hear Ruth Conefrey (Training and Compliance Manager, FSAI), Philip Devenish (Environmental Health Officer) and Michael Loughlin (Irish Pest Control Association) discuss best practice for pest control procedures and monitoring.

The webinar is free of charge and the link to register can be found here.

There will be an opportunity for participants to ask all panel members questions following their presentations.

Encouraging people to sign up for the ‘Breakfast Bite’ webinar, Dr Pamela Byrne, CEO, FSAI said consumers have a right to safe food and food businesses have a legal responsibility to ensure their products are safe to eat.

“While the majority of food businesses are fully compliant with food safety legislation, Environmental Health Officers continue to find incidents of rodent and pest infestation during routine inspections across the width and breadth of the country,” she said.

“We have organised this Breakfast Bite webinar to help business operators refamiliarise themselves on how to best avoid possible food produce contamination.

“Our expert panellists will help with any queries you may have, so we call on food business operators to register for the event.”

Webinar outline

Ruth Confrey (FSAI) will begin the session with an outline of the increase in pest control occurrences detailed in recent enforcement orders issued by environmental health officers of the FSAI, HSE, and other state bodies.

Philip Devenish (Environmental Health Service) will then discuss pest control procedures and the importance of an effective pest control regime. Philip will also showcase examples of best practice in pest control procedures and highlight some common errors made by Irish food businesses.

Finally, Michael Loughlin (Irish Pest Control Association) will end with a presentation on what to expect from your pest control operator and how best to protect your premises, food produce and storage from rodents and other pests.

For more information on the event and to register, visit www.fsai.ie

Galway weather: Unsettled weekend forecast by Met Éireann

By

-

February 16, 2023

Galway Daily weather Overcast skies forecast for Bank Holiday Weekend weather

More unsettled conditions are likely to dominate over the coming days in Galway, with clouds and spells of rain expected in the West throughout the weekend.

Tonight (Thursday) will be windy with scattered outbreaks of rain and drizzle. Lowest temperatures of 8 to 11 degrees are forecast by Met Éireann.

Friday is set to be a wet, cloudy day as the westerly winds gradually ease. Highest temperatures will be between 11 and 14 degrees, in moderating westerly winds.

Friday night will remain wet – and hill, mist and coastal fog are likely. The rain will be heavy at times with possible spot flooding.

Saturday is expected to be drier than previous days, but some showers and patchy light rain are likely across the West.

Sunday could see some bright spells to begin, but light rain is forecast throughout much of the day across the county.

Temperatures in Galway over the weekend will remain around 8 to 11 degrees.

Two impressive US students awarded Mitchell scholarships to study in Galway

By

-

February 16, 2023

Galway daily news university of galway Alexa Mohsenzadeh — Alexa Mohsenzadeh

Two students from US universities will attend University of Galway in the next academic year under the Mitchell Scholarship programme.

Alexander Firestine at the University of Pittsburgh, and Alexa Mohsenzadeh at Emory University in Atlanta received the competitive prizes which are awarded to twelve students each year by the US-Ireland Alliance.

The scholarships are aimed at supporting distinguished graduate students from the US who wish to pursue one year of study in Ireland.

The two University of Galway Mitchell Scholars have distinguished academic and civic careers to date.

Alexander Firestine studies Finance, Accounting, and Business Information Systems, and is the recipient of a Chancellor’s Scholarship – the most prestigious undergraduate scholarship at the University of Pittsburgh.

His interest is in food insecurity and how data analytics, may be used to alleviate the problem.

Involved with Food21, a non-profit committed to building resilient food systems, Alex co-led a project that developed a digital tool using data to measure regional food insecurity and identify areas where food apartheids may exist in Pittsburgh.

At University of Galway, Alexander will study MSc in Climate Change, Agriculture.

Alexa Mohsenzadeh is studying Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology and Ethics and She received Emory’s most prestigious merit scholarship, the Robert W. Woodruff Scholarship.

As the Co-Founder and CEO of the non-profit Her Drive, Alexa has led the distribution of 1.1 million period and hygiene products globally, including 45 states across the US, as well as the UK, Canada, and Mexico since 2020.

Through this work, she has mentored more than 1,200 volunteers and supported a diverse range of populations, including immigrant detainees and refugees, low-income students, rural and Indigenous communities, LGBT+ youth, and survivors of domestic violence.

Recognised as 1 of ’50 Period Heroes’ nationwide, Her Drive is partnering with Always and Walmart this year to distribute 50,000 period products to people in need in Georgia, Illinois, and Louisiana.

At Emory, Alexa has conducted research in neuroethics, compassion-based ethics, and feminist neuroscience with aims to integrate feminist, cross-cultural perspectives into our scientific and legal awareness.

This past year, she also worked for the non-profit, New American Pathways, where she supported newly arriving refugees in Georgia by improving their access to community resources as they underwent the resettlement process.

She is the principal percussionist of the Emory University Symphony Orchestra and is proficient in Persian and French.

Long-term, Alexa is driven to improve women’s health outcomes through rights advocacy and reform and will study MA in Gender, Globalisation, and Rights at the University of Galway.

Man (40s) dies following crash in the West last night

By

-

February 16, 2023

Galway Daily news missing teen found safe

A man in his 40s has died following a crash after midnight last night in Co. Mayo.

The single vehicle collision, involving a van, occurred at approximately 12.25 am on Thursday morning on the N60 at Ballygowan in Claremorris.

The man’s body has since been removed to the mortuary at Mayo University Hospital where a post-mortem will take place in due course.

A technical examination of the scene has been completed by Garda Forensic Collision investigators and the road has re-opened this morning.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to come forward and any road users with video footage (including dash cam) is asked to make this available to them. In particular, any road users who were in the area between the Claremorris Road and Ballygowan Bridge from 12am – 12.30am.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Claremorris Garda Station 094 937 2080, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.

Lidl to create over 20 new jobs in Galway this year

By

-

February 16, 2023

galway daily news new lidl in knocknacarrra sign

Lidl has announced that more than 20 new jobs will be created in Galway this year, with the retailer set to create 700 new jobs in a variety of roles across Ireland in 2023.

The new roles will bring Lidl’s total workforce across the island of Ireland to 7,500.

All employees will also receive a 7.5% pay increase from March, which works out at around between €2,000 and €2,500 extra per year for all Lidl staff members.

This increase is in addition to the retailer’s commitment last year to paying the new Living Wage rate of €13.85 per hour.

The 700 new roles will be between operational and office-based roles in its 176 store locations, three regional distribution centres and Dublin head office.

Welcoming the new jobs, Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment, Simon Coveney, said: “Lidl’s decision to hire an additional 700 employees this year is a real vote of confidence in the company’s long-term commitment to the Irish retail sector and the Irish economy as a whole.

“Given the current cost of living pressures that everyone is feeling, I’m delighted to see that Lidl is investing in giving their workforce a pay rise to support them.

“I wish to congratulate the entire Lidl team on reaching the milestone of over 6,000 colleagues employed across the country, the company has a very impressive story of growth to tell since it first came to Ireland twenty years ago.”

Funeral of Christopher Stokes to take place in Ballinfoyle today

By

-

February 16, 2023

The funeral mass of Christopher Stokes will take place at 12 noon today at the Church of the Resurrection in Ballinfoyle.

Christopher, who was 19, was one of three teenagers who lost their lives in a tragic accident at Menlo Pier last week when their car entered the River Corrib on Saturday.

Sixteen-year-old John Keenan Sammon, who also died in the tragedy, was laid to rest yesterday following requiem mass at the Church of the Resurrection.

Wojciech Panek from Kilkenny will be cremated on Friday. Wojciech was soon to turn 18 and was undertaking an apprentice carpenter course in Galway.

A notice on rip.ie for Christopher Stokes reads: “Beloved son of Anthony and Kate. Sadly missed by his heartbroken family, his brothers Michael, Tommy, Tony, and Martin, sisters Annalise, Nicole, Geraldine, Katlyn, and Lucy, nephew Mark, sister-in-law Madelena, grandparents, extended family and his many friends.”

Books of Condolence have also been opened for John and Christopher and Wojciech for people to offer their sympathies to the families.

Housing Adaptation grant limits should be doubled due to rising costs

By

-

February 15, 2023

Galway Daily news Additional Dog fines will have little effect without more Dog Wardens

The size of housing adaptation grants must be substantially increased due to rising costs in the construction industry a Galway TD has said.

Speaking during questions on policy or legislation in the Dáil, Galway East TD Seán Canney said the current maximum grant of €30,000 for the scheme was set over a decade ago.

“It is a great scheme and I know the Minister is carrying out a review of it but there are a number of things he might consider.”

In light of increasing costs in the industry, Deputy Canney said that the Housing Minister should double that maximum grant to €60,000.

“Second, in the area of income threshold and assessment, where a person has a disability, it is very unfair to take the family’s entire income into account when it is being assessed for these grants.”

“The person with the disability is the person who needs the adaptations done to the house and this might keep people at home longer,” Seán Canney said.

Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien said that the review of the housing adaptation grants scheme is nearing completion, and that he expects to have it shortly.

The Minister agreed that the scheme “needs to keep pace with the increased costs we have seen” and that amendments to it are required.

“It is a very effective grant and helps many people stay in their homes, where they want to and should stay.”

“We are looking at extending the works which can be included in the housing adaptation grant,” Minister O’Brien added, specifying hoists, which are not currently covered, but which will be this year.

The Minister said that the review of the Housing Adaptation Grants scheme will be published in the coming weeks, with both income thresholds and grant limits taken into account.

“We have secured an additional budget this year for an additional spend in that space. Once we publish these, they will be there for everybody to see.”

Connacht U18 Girls Squad named for Ulster game

By

-

February 15, 2023

Galway Daily sport Four Galway players named for Irish U18 Women’s Six Nations squad — Under 18 Women's Interprovincial, IRFU High Performance Centre, Sport Ireland Campus, Blanchardstown, Dublin 12/2/2023 Munster U18 vs Connacht U18 Connacht huddle during the game Photo: ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

The Connacht Rugby U18s Girls Squad has been named for their interpro game against Ulster in Dublin tomorrow afternoon.

Four changes have been made to the Connacht Girls lineup that will be headed to Terenure RFC on Thursday for their development Interpro against Ulster.

Ballina’s Ailish Quinn is out with an injury and is replaced at 6 by Jemima Adams Verling. Poppy Garvey from Sligo comes into the no. 8 spot, while Ballinasloe’s Ella Greene starts at 2 this week.

Ellen O’Toole and Gort’s Cavina Maloney are also in among the replacements this week.

Venue – Terenure RFC

Kick Off – Thursday, 12:30pm

CONNACHT: Hannah Clarke; Keanah Irons, Molly Boote, Sarah Purcell, Emily Foley; Siofra Hession, Grainne Moran; Ella Burns, Ella Greene, Roisin Maher, Grainne Hahessy, Sarah McCormick (capt), Jemima Adams Verling, Beibhinn Gleeson, Poppy Garvey.

Replacements: Ellen O’Toole, Ellie Filan, Nadine Fitzmaurice, Rhona O’Dea, Cavina Maloney, Merisa Kiripati, Megan Connolly, Ailbhe Gannon.

Galway United signs French striker Ibrahim Keita

By

-

February 15, 2023