The two men arrested last night after gardaí seized €166,000 worth of cannabis in Aughrim have been charged.
The men, both in their 30s, are due to appear before a special sitting of Galway District Court this evening.
Gardaí seized cannabis plants with an estimated street value of €146,000 and €20,000 worth of cannabis herb on Saturday evening at a property in Aughrim, between Loughrea and Ballinasloe.
The men were arrested at the scene in connection with the investigation.
Young singers in Galway are being invited to apply to represent Ireland at this year’s Junior Eurovision Song Contest.
Adare Productions is encouraging talented young singers from across the island of Ireland to apply, with heats taking place in Dublin in March.
The winner, who must be aged between 9 and 14 years this autumn, will go on to represent Ireland at the Junior Eurovision which has over 7.5 million viewers across Europe.
In 2022, Sophie Lennon came fourth in the contest with her song Solas.
All that is needed to enter is an amazing singing voice, and no original song is necessary. Applications are open to solos, duets and groups of up to six people.
The closing date for entries is 15 February 2023.
The application reuires a 40-second clip of the applicant singing. Apply now at www.tg4.ie/junioreurovision
The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) has today renewed its call on the Government to retain the 9% tourism VAT rate.
The call came in response to latest Business Post/Red C poll, which revealed that 66% of people now believe the current rate for hotels and restaurants should be extended.
IHF Galway Branch Chair Wayne Neilon said that it is very worrying that the government is contemplating an increase when many key tourism markets are experiencing a cost-of-living crisis.
He said that increasing consumer taxes such as tourism VAT is “the last thing we should be doing at this point.”
“People in Ireland and across our overseas markets are already being squeezed by exceptionally high levels of inflation and other pressures on their finances, which means there is a real risk that many will pull back from discretionary spending on holidays and breaks away.”
Recent industry research indicates that 81% of hoteliers are very concerned about the impact a VAT increase would have on their businesses given the very challenging economic headwinds facing the sector over the next 12 months.
“Any increase would have a significant inflationary impact and would damage our tourism competitiveness, with Irish consumers and overseas visitors having to pay the third highest tourism VAT rate in all of Europe,” added Mr Neilon.
“The focus of the Government should be on safeguarding tourism livelihoods and securing the long-term sustainable recovery of our industry. Now is not the time to put tourism recovery at risk by increasing VAT.”
Three men were arrested in Galway on Saturday night after Gardaí seized cannabis plants and cash in two separate search operations.
In a planned search at a house in Aughrim, cannabis plants worth an estimated €146,000 and €20,000 worth of cannabis herb were seized.
Two men, both in their 30s, were arrested at the scene and are currently detained at Galway Garda station.
Gardaí also searched a residence in Ballinasloe, where cannabis herb with an estimated street value of €35,000 was seized as well as €7,510 in cash.
Cannabis jellies were also seized.
A man in his 40s was arrested in relation to the Ballinasloe seizure and was detained under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.
He was released yesterday evening without charge and a file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
All herbs are being forwarded for analysis.
The liquidation of International House Galway has been described as “deeply concerning” as hundreds of students are affected by the school’s sudden closure.
The English language academy in Galway city formed part of a network of over 150 schools across the world under the umbrella of the International House.
It is understood that all enrolled students are to be relocated to begin their studies in February.
But the Irish Council for International Students (ICOS) says questions remain over what will happen to students who have paid money to the school, but have yet to arrive in Ireland.
Speaking about the closure, Laura Harmon, Executive Director of ICOS, said the closure is a cause for concern, particularly, when the school was still advertising courses on their social media as recently as two weeks ago.
“While ICOS welcomes the assurances that enrolled students will be re-located to a new school, we are concerned that learners who have paid money to the International House, and have yet to arrive, will lose out financially,” said Ms Harmon.
“ICOS is calling on the government to urgently implement the International Education Mark (IEM) and ensure that all measures are taken to safeguard international students’ investment in their education, including mandatory use of escrow accounts.”
One affected student who paid money to IH Galway has a
Any students impacted by the closure can contact ICOS at www.internationalstudents.ie/contact
Paul Fahy has been named a Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by French Ambassador to Ireland Vincent Guérend during a ceremony at the Résidence de France.
The artistic director of Galway International Arts Festival (GIAF) was honoured for his significant work in the arts and the promotion of France-Ireland relations.
Guests at the French Ambassador’s residence in Ailsebury Road included members of Paul’s family and friends with well-known colleagues from the arts world.
These included artistic directors Garry Hynes, Druid; Fergus Shiel, Irish National Opera and Catriona MacLaughlin, Abbey Theatre.
GIAF colleagues in attendance included John Crumlish, Gerry Cleary, Tracey Ferguson and Elizabeth Duffy along with Chairperson Dr Patrick Lonergan from University of Galway.
“It is a huge honour to receive the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. I want to thank Ambassador Guérend and the French Ministry of Culture,” said Mr Fahy following the reception.
“I feel very humbled by this gesture and award. It has been a huge pleasure over the years working with so many wonderful artists, writers and performers and a joy to present the very best of French culture to Irish audiences, building links between Ireland and France and establishing long-lasting connections with French artists.”
The Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Order of Arts and Letters) was established in 1957 and is awarded by the French Ministry of Culture to recognize eminent artists, writers, and scholars for their efforts in promoting the awareness and enrichment of France’s cultural heritage throughout the world.
People Before Profit Galway has expressed its continued solidarity with workers at the Corrib Oil filling station in Ballinasloe on strike today until 10pm.
Today’s strike follows a previous strike on 22 December which enjoyed widespread support, with locals refusing to cross the picket.
PBP’s Paul Murphy challenged Minister Éamon Ryan in the Dáil this week to support the workers’ demand that management recognise their union, Mandate.
Local representative for the party Adrian Curran said that it is unacceptable that Corrib Oil workers in Ballinasloe have been forced to exercise their right to strike.
He said that the success of today’s strike will make it easier for workers in other Corrib Oil and H2 outlets, including that in Loughrea, to secure union recognition.
This will lead to improved pay scales, training pay, sick pay and pay increases for the cost of living, Mr Curran said.
Adrian Curran said that the Brackernagh workers are also setting an example for all workers in Ireland and called on Galway TDs to support the workers by legislating to guarantee union recognition.
Gardaí are appealing for information after a 22-year-old woman was killed in a single vehicle crash in Co. Mayo yesterday evening.
The collision occurred at Corlough West in Belmullet on Friday at around 9.15pm.
The young woman was fatally injured when the car she was driving left the road and collided with a ditch.
She was pronounced dead at the scene and her body was removed to the mortuary in Mayo University Hospital where a postmortem will take place in due course.
Two passengers (both early 20s) in the car, a male and female, were removed to Mayo University Hospital to be treated with non-life threatening injuries.
The road was closed overnight and Forensic Collision investigators were conducting an examination of the scene 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.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Belmullet Garda Station (097) 81910, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.
The Teddy Bear Hospital at University of Galway came to an end after two days on Friday, with teddy bears from across the county now recovering after receiving diagnoses for their ailments.
The annual event is run by medicine students in the Sláinte Society at the University and aims to reduce children’s fear of hospitals.
A woman in her 80s was taken to hospital with serious injuries after being hit by a car in Mountbellew earlier this week.
Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of a crash at Treanrevagh, Mountbellew shortly after 5pm of Tuesday, February 24.
The pedestrian, a woman in her 80s, was taken to University Hospital Galway to be treated for their injuries.
Her injuries are understood to be serious according to Gardaí. The driver of the car did not require hospital treatment.
Investigating Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this incident to come forward.
They are also appealing to those with camera footage (including motorists with dash cam) from the area at the time of the collision, to make it available to them.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Mountbellew Garda Station on 090 967 9292, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
A man currently serving a seven year sentence did not have it extended after pleading guilty to a smash and grab theft from a car.
Richard McDonagh (35), pleaded guilty to criminal damage and theft charges at Galway District Court this week.
On June 25 of 2020, at around 1:30pm at St Brigid’s Place in Galway City, Gardaí responded to a report that a car had been broken into.
The driver side window of the car belonging to a Paddy Dunleavy had been smashed in, and items were stolen from the car.
Blood samples were taken from the broken window of the car, which were used to identify McDonagh as the one responsible.
A €60 bottle of Dior Sauvage aftershave and a notebook were taken from the car, and the damage done to the vehicle was valued at €190.
Mr McDonagh’s solicitor said that he was not in a position to offer any compensation, due to the lengthy prison sentence he is currently serving.
In December of 2021, he receive a seven year sentence at Galway Circuit Court for dangerous driving causing the death of Margaret Ward, a passenger in the car.
His solicitor Valerie Corcoran said this week that he had serious addiction issues, and is currently on a waiting list for counselling.
Judge Mary imposed two months for the criminal damage, and another month in prison for the theft.
Due to the lengthy prison sentence he is already serving, she made both of those concurrent to his current sentence.
Western Motors Ltd in Galway city has been named the best dealership in the county for electric vehicles in a national competition.
The 24 county winners in the second annual EV Dealership of the Year awards have been announced today.
These awards recognise and reward excellence in the promotion and sales of electric vehicles (EV) in Ireland.
The county winners announced today go on to the regional awards, which will be announced at this year’s Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) Annual Dinner taking place next month.
The four regional winners will then be on the shortlist for the overall national winner award which will be announced at the SEAI Energy Show taking place in the RDS, Dublin on March 30.
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan said that there were record sales of electric vehicles in Ireland last year, adding that it was an exciting time to be in this industry.
“The dealer awards commend the hard work of the car dealers supporting their clients making the switch to electric and celebrates the growing shift towards sustainable clean transport.”
“As the sales of EVs continue to grow, it is the award winners of today who are setting the standards and demonstrating the expertise needed in this industry in future.”
In total, 124 car dealerships from 24 counties participated in the 2023 ZEVI EV Dealership of the Year Awards, representing a 6% increase in entries from 2022.
The awards are run by Zero Vehicles Emissions Ireland (ZEVI), a dedicated office within the Department of Transport, and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
Car dealers competed through a mystery shopping exercise where they were scored on a number of factors.
These include how visible EVs were in the showroom, how knowledgeable their salespeople were on EVs, and their sales approach. Other evaluation areas included EV training, sales trends and the dealership’s website.
TedFest returns this March as Inis Mór once again becomes the legendary ‘Craggy Island’ for a weekend of high jinks.
Copious cups of tea and sandwiches, a lot of red tank-tops, nuns on the run, priests on the pull, map-cap costumes and of course a bishop getting a kick up the arse.
Visitors will enjoy all the ecumenical craic that Craggy Island has to offer and the official programme has now been announced for the biggest ever Tedfest running from March 2 – 5.
Highlights include the annual Lovely Girls Competition, Blind Date with Eoin McLove (Patrick McDonnell), King of the Sheep, Pat Mustard Lip Sync Showdown, The Craggy Cup, Ted’s Got Talent, The Screeching Competition in a very Dark Cave, Matchmaking with Nellie.
There will also be The Priests’ Dance Off, The Ghost Town Disco, The Craggy Comedy Craic Den, The Pan Asian Zen-Off, The Reverse Wheel of Death, the Father Ted Prizeless Quiz, Hide a Nun and Seek.
Come Sunday night, a special final titled ‘We Made the BBC’ will take place, with revellers dressed as their favourite BBC broadcasters.
Original cast members are also firm favorites at the event and fan favourite Patrick McDonnell is confirmed for 2023 to host Blind Date with Eoin McLove!
Willie or no willie, Craggy Island’s most beloved singer always draws a crowd – probably about seventeen million!
Competition can also be rife for the coveted Lovely Girls title, and organisers have lovely girls practice their lovely talents, lovely laughs, cone walking and general loveliness at all times.
Ted’s Got Talent is also a big highlight with some very memorable moments that are definitely well-deserving of a tiny cup.
The Comedy Craic Den and music line-up is always a triumph at TedFest and the charity trad sessions will surely bring out the dancing priests and raise some money for a good cause that won’t just be ‘resting in our account’.
All activity will take place at the Aran Islands hotel on Inis Mor which has the space to accommodate the Music Stages, the Craggy Craic Den and full extended line-up.
Tickets are now sold out as all accommodation on the island with roofs, heating and running water is now fully booked by TedFest revellers.
Organisers advise on the website “please do not buy a ticket unless you have privately sourced accommodation or permission from another ticket holder to sleep with them. However, there is still a way to attend Tedfest staying with other hardcore adventurers in the Tented Village – see www.irelandglamping.ie“
Connacht have named their matchday 23 man squad for this weekend’s game against the Emirates Lions in Galway.
Connacht and the Lions will meet at the Sportsground this Saturday, with kick-off at 7:35pm, in the BKT United Rugby Championship.
Director of Rugby Andy Friend said that this will mark the end of a long block of games for Connacht, and they’re determined to go out on a high note.
“If we get the win we head into the next block well in the running for a playoff spot – while achieving our aim of reaching the Challenge Cup knockouts – so it’s not a bad spot to be in.
He added that, “We’re fully aware however that we need a win tomorrow to put ourselves in that position.”
Jack Carty is back in the Captain’s chair after missing last week’s game against Newcastle due to injury, and he’s chasing a record in the making.
Just six points in the game will see him equal Eric Elwood’s all-time scoring record of 1152 points for the province.
Scrum-half Caolin Blade is named alongside him while Cathal Forde and Tom Farrell are named at inside and outside-centre respectively.
Tiernan O’Halloran lines out at full back for his 215th Connacht appearance with John Porch and Diarmuid Kilgallen on the wings.
The pack sees the Murray brothers Darragh and Niall paired together in the second row, while props Peter Dooley and Jack Aungier come in alongside hooker Shane Delahunt.
Josh Murphy moves from the second row to blindside flanker, while Conor Oliver and Jarrad Butler are retained at 7 and 8.
Andy Friend acknowledged that the Lions are a “formidable outfit”, who have improved since debuting last year, and that there’s a challenge ahead for Connacht.
CONNACHT RUGBY MATCHDAY 23 VS EMIRATES LIONS
Saturday 28th January, 19:35 @ The Sportsground
Number/Name/Caps
15. Tiernan O’Halloran (214)
14. Diarmuid Kilgallen (12)
13. Tom Farrell (90)
12. Cathal Forde (7)
11. John Porch (72)
10. Jack Carty (190) (C)
9. Caolin Blade (161)
1. Peter Dooley (12)
2. Shane Delahunt (124)
3. Jack Aungier (43)
4. Darragh Murray (5)
5. Niall Murray (47)
6. Josh Murphy (11)
7. Conor Oliver (54)
8. Jarrad Butler (107)
16. Dylan Tierney-Martin (15)
17. Jordan Duggan (34)
18. Dominic Robertson-McCoy (76)
19. Leva Fifita (22)
20. Shamus Hurley-Langton (12)
21. Kieran Marmion (222)
22. Tom Daly (71)
23. Oran McNulty (12)
An Bord Pleanála has refused planning approval for a social housing development of 71 homes on the outskirts of the city.
The city council made an Appropriate Assessment planning application to the bord back in 2021 for the houses at Keeraun on the Ballymoneen Road.
The proposed housing was to consist of 4 one-bedroom units, 34 two-bedroom homes, 22 three-bedroom houses, 3 four-bedroom units, and 8 Traveller Appropriate Accommodation units.
Other works involved in the project were associated carparking and bicycle parking, green spaces & landscaping, connection to existing services and all ancillary/enabling site development works.
In refusing permission, An Bord Pleanála said that although the land was zoned residential, this development would “continue and extend the piecemeal development of the area”, without adequate infrastructure.
The decision said that the lack of safe pedestrian links, the distance to public transport, and lack of social and community facilities nearby would make it heavily car dependent.
The lack of alternative travel options meant that the development would be “contrary to national, regional, and local policy objectives on sustainable mobility”.
“The proposed development would therefore be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area”.
The substandard width and alignment of the local road, along with the increased traffic from the social housing, would also create a road safety hazard, the Bord said.
A €13 million upgrade to the sewer system in Athenry is due to get underway in March, to deal with untreated sewage going into the River Clarin.
The upgrades to the wastewater collection system in Athenry is meant to tack sewer flooding, deal with the discharge of non-compliant sewer overflows into the River Clarin.
It will also improve the capacity of the sewer network allowing for future population growth and economic development of Athenry and the surrounding area.
Speaking about the works, Eunan Canavan, Wastewater Regional Delivery Lead with Uisce Éireann, said,“Delivering this project for the community is an immense source of pride for Uisce Éireann and Galway County Council.”
“All new infrastructure has been sized to accommodate future population growth and the project will enhance the local environment and provide a platform for social and economic development well into the future”.
The project will involve decommissioning the existing combined sewer overflow at North Gate street in the town centre, and replacing the sewers from the Cuirt Ard/Caheroyan Road junction to the Caheroyan Pumping Station.
That pumping station is to be decommissioned and completely removed, and a new station will be built adjacent to Pairc na hAbhainn housing estate.
New sewers starting at North Gate will be laid to the new pumping station, as will a new sewer from the site of the decommissioned station, both of which will cross the River Clarin.
A rising main will go from the new pumping station to the Athenry Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Work on the project will get underway in March under Coffey Construction, and is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
Another benefit of these works should be an improvement in the water quality of the River Clarin, protecting recreational waters for fishing and sightseeing, as well as protecting the integrity of the local environment.
Workers at the Corrib Station in Ballinasloe will be going on another one-day strike tomorrow over an industrial dispute.
Mandate Trade Union has said that staff will take to the picket line from 6:30am to 10pm on Saturday, due to the alleged refusal of the company to allow them to be represented by the union.
John Carty, Mandate’s Western Divisional Organiser, said that Corrib Oil’s staff want their employer to recognise their union and agree to a procedural agreement to deal with any issues that might arise for them.
Mandate claims that Corrib Oil has not honoured an offer to engage with the union made before Christmas.
“The Corrib Oil staff in Ballinasloe joined Mandate and have asked us to engage with the company to put a procedural agreement in place so that any issues they have can be dealt with collectively and in an orderly fashion,” John Carty said.
“Unfortunately, since last August, Corrib Oil haven’t yet seriously engaged with Mandate, their staff’s chosen union, on putting such an agreement in place.”
He added that further strike action after tomorrow may be necessary if no resolution to their issues is found.
Planning is being sought from the county council to convert a vacant pub in Tuam to a restaurant and takeaway.
The planning application, led by Ghazman Ltd is to convert The Square Inn bar and lounge in Market Square Tuam.
The development would involve minor alterations to the internal layout of the bar, and the front facade.
The proposed opening hours of the restaurant are between 8am and midnight.
The application states that there is ample car parking space within easy walking distance of the town centre building.
A decision is due from Galway County Council on this planning application by March 16 of this year.
Local senator Aisling Dolan has said that actions must be taken to deal with the increase in mental health issues among young people in Ireland.
The Fine Gael senator was speaking as a report into mental health supports for schools was launched this week.
The report recommended the Youth Mental Health Pathfinder Project be implemented without delay.
“It will align key Government departments with responsibility for the health, wellbeing and education of our young people and will make navigating treatment and support mechanisms and programmes an easier process for parents and young people alike,” said Senator Dolan.
“A renewed spotlight has been shone on younger people’s mental health this week, which makes the timing of this report altogether more pertinent. It follows on from the Committee’s previous report on ‘Bullying’.”
Senator Dolan said this project is just one tranche in a series of measures needed to tackle the increase in mental health issues among young people.
Senator Dolan welcomed the €5 million in government funding for the Counselling in Primary Schools initiative and there is a recommendation in the report that this is expanded to secondary schools too.
“Changes have been made for more continuous assessment in some subjects at Leaving Certificate level and this needs to be broadened to more subject to reduce exam stress,” she said.
“For our universities, there is a recommendation to recruit, train and retain adequate numbers of mental health professionals.
“For young people in college, Minister Simon Harris has recently announced additional €5 million for student mental health supports at third level as well as an increase in the Student Assistanceship Fund.
“Togetherall is also a 24/7 online support with mental health professionals, which is now freely available to third level students in Ireland.”
Three Galway groups are among 46 successful applicants in Stage 1 of the 2023-2027 LEADER programme.
Forum Connemara, Comhar na nOilean and Galway Rural Development will receive a share of the €2 million fund.
The successful applicants will now move on to Stage 2 which will see them develop their LEADER Local Development Strategies.
These strategies will support sustainable development in rural communities.
Making the announcement today, Minister Heather Humphreys said: “For over 30 years, the LEADER programme has been hugely effective in delivering locally-led projects that have brought major benefits to communities across Rural Ireland.
“LEADER operates on a bottom-up approach, which empowers local communities to deliver projects that will contribute greatly to revitalise rural Ireland’s towns and villages.”
The Minister invited the 46 groups to develop new and innovative strategies for their areas.
“I would encourage communities across the country to get involved in the development of the LEADER strategies to help ensure that LEADER can continue to deliver projects and initiatives that are directly linked to local needs and priorities,” she said.
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