Water outages in Tuam as repairs to burst mains underway

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February 15, 2023

ATU Mayoral Reception 1 — Pictured at the Mayoral Reception for ATU are students and tutors from the Galway International Hotel School with Dr Orla Flynn President ATU, Mayor of Galway City Cllr Clodagh Higgins, Cllrs Frank Fahy, Alan Cheevers, Terry O’Flaherty, Neil McNelis and Donal Lyons. Photo: Murtography

A Mayoral Reception took place in the city this week for students and apprentices from Atlantic Technological University, to celebrate their achievements.

Last year saw 25 students and apprentices from across ATU fight their way to the national finals of the WorldSkills 2022 competition.

Ultimately, ATU students took home top prizes in four competition, after competing against tough opponents in ten categories.

ATU claimed first, second and third places in the Joinery Category with Barry Gordon from Easkey, Sligo coming first in the Worldskills Ireland Joinery final in the RDS.

Barry was pushed all the way through an intense three day competition by his fellow ATU students, Conor Hannify and Bobby Douglas who finished second and third place respectively.

Dion O’Sullivan from Macroom, Co. Cork won the Automotive Technology category for ATU while Hotel Management student at ATU and Sligo native Jordan K. Barrins came first in the Restaurant Service category.

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ATU student Colm Healy from Lissarulla, Claregalway, now working for RPS won the inaugural Digital Infrastructure Design competition.

Conor Whelehan from Ballintogher, Co Sligo came first in the Plastic Die toolmaking competition which was held at ATU Sligo campus, the only competition held outside of the RDS.

A Mayoral reception in honour of their achievements to date, and wishing them luck in the world finals this year, took place at the Ardilaun Hotel on Monday.

Speaking about the achievements of ATU, Mayor Clodagh Higgins congratulated the competitors, commenting that “…25 apprentices and students from ATU demonstrated the best of our region, competing in 10 categories, against over 180 young people.”

“The ATU competitors showed excellent technical skills, team work, time management and most importantly, the confidence and ability to work under pressure – no mean feat, with over 15,000 visitors watching them compete.”

She praised the students for the calm heads and technical skills they displayed in the competition.

Mayor Higgins also acknowledged the work of the mentors, tutors and employers, who supported competitors in their endeavours, and shared their passion for their trades and subjects to a new generation.

President of ATU, Dr Orla Flynn, also spoke and acknowledged the achievements of the students, apprentices, and staff.

Mayor Higgins wished competitors well in the global WorldSkills Final in 2023, and in their future careers and studies.

Councillor Pádraig Mac an Iomaire appointed to board of Údarás na Gaeltachta

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February 15, 2023

Galway Daily news Councillor Pádraig Mac an Iomaire appointed to board of Údarás na Gaeltachta

County Councillor Pádraig Mac an Iomaire has been appointed as one of the twelve members of the new board of Údarás na Gaeltachta.

Cllr Mac an Iomaire, who represents Connemara South, was one of five nominations to the board by county councils in Gaeltacht areas.

With Mary Uí Chadhain and Debra Ní Shúilleabháin reappointed to the board, it now has seven members, enough for a quorum allowing it to operate.

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media Catherine Martin announced the five appointments to the interim board today.

“I understand that the work done by Údarás na Gaeltachta Board and Executive is particularly important.

As a result of this approach to the appointment of an interim board there will be no restriction on the organisation continuing to implement its agenda.”

The remaining five members of the board will be announced on the completion of a public competition, which is open until March 2.

“With the public competition now open, I would like to take the opportunity to encourage women to seek nominations to be appointed on state boards in general, but on the board of Údarás na Gaeltachta in particular,” Minister Martin added.

The board being selected this Spring will serve for a period of two years, after which the government intends to revamp both its size, and the selection process.

Under plans announced last December, the government intends to expand the board to 16 members from 2025 onwards.

Ten of its members will be selected from Gaeltacht counties, of which three are guaranteed to be representing Galway under the new plans.

The remaining six members of the new board will be selected on foot of a public competition.

Speaking about today’s appointments, Minister of State for the Gaeltacht, Patrick O’Donovan said that they are a huge step forward for the organisation.

“I understand the importance of a board so that any organisation such as Údarás na Gaeltachta is able to function on a continuous basis.”

Galway allocated over €42 million for local and regional roads

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February 15, 2023

Galway Daily news Galway allocated over €42 million for local and regional roads

Over €42 million has been allocated for the maintenance and improvement of regional and local roads in Galway this year.

Under the 2023 investment programme, Galway County Council will receive €39,329,263 for road improvements, while the City Council has been allocated €3,176,540.

The largest allocation for any single project in Galway City or County is €1.1 million for two sections of the Athenry Relief Road.

Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan said that the department’s main priority this year is protecting and renewing the existing road network.

“It makes more sense to protect and repair our roads quickly rather than letting them fall into more expensive disrepair.

“We are providing funding for a range of schemes from larger strategic road improvements to smaller scale road improvements and critical bridge rehabilitation works.”

“An important part of this allocation is the climate change adaptation grant which was introduced for works on roads at risk due to the impact of climate change and severe weather events.”

Nationwide the €626 million investment programme announced this week will allow approximately 3,100km of regional and local roads to be maintained and 2,550km to be strengthened.

It also includes €16 million for a total of 329 climate change adaptation projects around the country.

Minister of State Jack Chambers commented that the funding includes €11 million for road safety projects that target remedial measures to improve road safety for vulnerable road users and vehicular traffic.

“This also includes provision to continue on a signage programme which includes signage to support lower speed limits in housing areas, rural speed limit signage and a “safe passing” cycle sign.”

The funding for Galway City and County Council broken down by category is as follows.

Galway County Council

Restoration Improvement	€20,455,000
Restoration Maintenance	€2,986,500
Supplementary Restoration Maintenance	€2,346,500
Discretionary Grant	€5,659,500
Bridge Rehabilitation	€630,000
Specific Imp. Grant	€1,000,000
Strategic Regional & Local Roads	€1,100,000
Safety Improvement Works	€418,400
PSCI: Survey Support	€52,000
Training Grant	€128,000
Drainage Works	€1,397,500
Former National Roads	€775,000
Cycle Signs	€12,540
Speed Limits (Housing Area Signage)	€33,290
Speed Limits (Rural Speed Limit Signage)	€34,000
Climate Change Adaptation & Resilience Works	€1,169,193
Community Involvement Scheme	€1,131,840
Total Allocation	€39,329,263

Galway City Council

Restoration Improvement	€1,791,000
Discretionary Grant	€947,000
Bridge Rehabilitation	€185,000
PSCI: Survey Support	€2,000
Training Grant	€21,000
Drainage Works	€122,500
Speed Limits (Housing Area Signage)	€13,040
Climate Change Adaptation & Resilience Works	€95,000
Total Allocation	€3,176,540

Burial today for teenage boy who lost his life in Menlo Pier tragedy

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February 15, 2023

Galway Daily news Burial today for teenage boy who lost his life in Menlo Pier tragedy — John Keenan Sammon (16), Christy Stokes (19), and Wojciech Panek (17) died in a tragic incident at Menlo Pier in Galway last weekend,

The first of three teenaged boys who lost their lives in a tragic incident at Menlo Pier last weekend is being laid to rest this morning.

John Keenan Sammon (16), Wojciech Panek (17), and Christy Stokes (19) all lost their loves after a car went into the water at Menlo Pier in the early hours of Saturday, February 11.

Sammon, from Ballinfoyle in Galway City, is “deeply mourned and sadly missed by his heartbroken family, neighbours and friends” a funeral notice states.

His funeral mass will take place at in the Church of the Resurrection, Ballinfoyle at 11am this morning, after which he will be laid to rest at Rahoon Cemetery.

Christopher Stokes, also from Ballinfoyle, is reposing at Conneely’s Funeral Home, Flood Street, Galway from 5pm on Wednesday.

The removal to the Church of the Resurrection will take place at 7pm on Wednesday, with requiem mass to take place at 12pm on Thursday, burial afterwards at Rahoon cemetery.

“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.”

The ashes of Wojciech Panek, the “loving son of Grzegoz and Katarzyna and brother of Kamil and Viktoria”, will take place at 2pm this Friday at Calvary Cemetery, Graiguenamanagh, Co. Kilkenny.

“Wojciech will be sadly missed by his heartbroken family and friends,” his funeral notice on RIP.ie reads.

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

University of Galway leads the pack on environmental research grants

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February 15, 2023

University of Galway has been awarded more than €2.3 million in grants for research projects aimed at climate change and environmental problems.

The Environmental Protection Agency awarded funding to a total of 42 research projects, with University of Galway having the highest success rate of all applicants.

There are seven projects led by University of Galway researchers under EPA awards categories, and the university is partnering on a further four projects.

Professor Jim Livesey, Vice-President Research and Innovation at University of Galway, said that this is a testament to the success of research at higher education institutes in Ireland, adding that it a bonus to see such high achievement in Galway.

“The focus of this funding on environmental research further demonstrates the drive among our researchers to collaborate for the public good and the ambition to respond to the challenges facing humanity and society, now and in the years ahead.”

The researchers are focused on addressing issues related to greenhouse gas emissions, ozone levels, radon, human biomonitoring and earth observation.

The funding was awarded across four thematic areas: addressing climate change evidence needs; delivering a healthy environment; facilitating a green and circular economy; and protecting and restoring our natural environment.

Laura Burke, EPA Director General said that their research delivers scientific evidence that helps to inform environmental policy in government.

“The EPA places a high priority on promoting the uptake of funded research to inform policy development and implementation and to maximise the impact of research and innovation.”

“To this end, the EPA supports and fosters linkages between the public research system and policymakers to address key environmental challenges.”

The Galway led projects awarded funding are:

Addressing climate change evidence needs

Professor Colin O’Dowd will develop a Nitrous Oxide emissions verification system for Ireland. The two critical components are an operational network of precise long-term Nitrous Oxide measurements and a model, which can generate accurate estimates of emissions of the gas.
Dr Liz Coleman will assess knowledge regarding factors influencing ozone pollution relative to the Irish atmosphere. The project aims to improve the understanding of ozone levels and trends in Ireland, with a particular focus on the contribution of methane to the formation of ozone and the interplay between climate policy and air pollution policy and potential for targeted policy to limit ozone pollution in a changing climate.

Delivering a Healthy Environment

Dr James McGrath and Dr Miriam Byrne will deliver a comprehensive and scientifically-robust assessment of the implications of radon in deep-retrofitted dwellings. It will also develop a tool to estimate renovation measures on pre/post radon concentrations. This will help to strategically inform national policies on protecting citizens from indoor radon in homes undergoing deep retrofitting and ensure that national retrofits commitments remain achievable.

Facilitating a green and circular economy

Dr Liam Heaphy’s project will make a strategic contribution to recent initiatives to bring back town centre living by comparing the carbon costs of new build versus restoration. Building on the Town Centre Living Initiative pilot scheme, the project aims to advance analysis of the costs and barriers to adaptive reuse of buildings by including embodied emissions and life cycle analysis into cost-benefit analysis, while also connecting to strategic initiatives to reinvigorate rural villages and towns. It therefore extends the discussion on end-of-life and upcycling in life-cycle analysis to expand into wholesale reuse of existing buildings, relevant for Ireland with its particularly high rate of vacancy and dereliction in urban centres of all scales.

Protecting and Restoring our Natural Environment

Alastair McKinstry’s project aims to build data infrastructure which will makes it easier and more affordable to access Earth Observation and climate data. The project will also focus on statistics of land use change from 1990 to present, and also generate statistics of flood occurrences in Ireland.
Dr Agnieszka Indiana Olbert’s project aims to use Copernicus data to improve efficiency, accuracy and implementation of coastal water monitoring programmes. It will allow deeper understanding of nutrient cycling, water quality problems and environmental stressors/pressures in our waters related to human activities including climate change.
Dr David Styles will develop a model framework to generate key indicators of land use sustainability across air emissions (greenhouse gases and ammonia), nutrient losses to water at catchment scale and economic outcomes at farm and national scale.

Researchers from University of Galway will partner with other institutions on four projects including:

Dr Liam Morrison – Occurrence and sources of Persistent, Mobile and Toxic substances in Irish waters
Dr Liam Heaphy – Fire, Land and Atmospheric Remote Sensing of Emission-Projections, Policy and Land use and cover Synthesis
Professor Dearbhaile Morris and Dr Georgios Miliotis – Investigating integrated constructed wetlands as a means to reduce antimicrobial resistance and carbon emissions in the environment
Professor Chaosheng Zhang – Characterising the relationship between soil geochemistry and biodiversity in Ireland

N59 roadworks on Moycullen bypass to disrupt traffic for 9 weeks

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February 15, 2023

Traffic disruption is expected on the N59 at Moycullen until mid-April while construction work on the bypass takes place.

Traffic management measures are currently in place on the N59 on the Galway side of Moycullen while road construction works take place.

The works, which began this week, involve the reworking of the existing N59 to the new alignment connecting with the roundabout at the end of the bypass.

Works are expected to take 9 weeks to complete, and during this time traffic will be reduced to a single lane in phases as the roadworks progress.

The first sod was turned on the 4.3km Moycullen Bypass at the end of January in 2022, after the contract for the long awaited project was signed late the previous year.

The €35 million project was granted planning permission in 2012, and is expected to open to traffic this year.

When completed the bypass will loop around the eastern side of the village, connecting with the existing N59 at two new roundabout junctions at each end.

Along with the 4.3km of new carriageway, improvements will also have to made to 3km of local roads, 1.7 km of accommodation roads and 10 structures.

How Artificial Intelligence Can Improve the Software Development Process

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Thomas O'Brien

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February 15, 2023

Offshore software development has witnessed a huge transformation over the past few years. While previously, outsourcing was the preferred route for businesses looking for outside support — today having a dedicated remote team is often the preferred avenue.

For developers, things are also changing, with new, disruptive technologies that help engineers to unleash their potential and help businesses transform.

The offshore engineering industry plays a key role in the adoption of new technologies, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no exception.

Today, AI dominates all the technology trends and by 2025, the global AI market is forecasted to reach an impressive €53.09 million. Ever since AI began to dominate the market, the software industry has been at the forefront of huge change. It brings precision, speed, and efficiency to the entire software development process.

The future of machine learning and AI holds many promises for the software sector. With both of these, we can expect disruptive developments in development.

Algorithm-based machine learning is being leveraged to accelerate the engineering lifecycle, and AI can help a dedicated remote team of developers to optimise software workflow at every stage of the development process.

Here are four ways AI can power software development and deployment processes.

Programming and Code Assistance

Rather than replacing a dedicated remote team of developers, AI in offshore development will become a tool that software programmers use to gain new knowledge, optimise processes, and, ultimately, write better code.

There are AI-based applications that empower engineers to team up on projects. These applications give them the comfort of imparting insights, subsequently empowering them to gain from each other. Developers can utilise such tools to propel themselves within their profession.

When writing code, the dedicated remote team may encounter difficulties such as code duplication or oversight of specific pieces of code. By using coding tools controlled by AI, they can reduce errors.

These tools can also help with distinguishing basic coding hurdles. They give a developer a code manager that organises parts of the code depending on the programming or language being leveraged.

In the long run, AI will become a prerequisite for programming advancement.

Automated Testing

The use of AI in test automation is a recent trend and it has a significant impact on testing tools and methods in general, and of course test automation in particular.

With the advent of AI in software testing, businesses are now able to get faster tests and reliable products. AI-driven test automation tools bring in human-like decision-making abilities which helps in releasing high-quality software in less time.

AI in testing helps in making the software development process rapid by supplementing the testers with the right technology and tools. The aim of AI-based testing is to make the process smarter and more effective.

With the inclusion of AI and ML in testing, logical reasoning and problem-solving can be applied to better the process. Here, these tools are used to execute the tests without any human intervention.

Deployment and Project Management

Artificial intelligence is making the process of developing and deploying software faster, better and cheaper.

Machine learning AI technologies have an impact on software deployment, especially in the software development paradigm where developers frequently upgrade programs or apps to the latest versions, such as increased efficiency in deployment control tasks.

AI can also protect offshore developers from issues during upgrades and lessen the likelihood of deployment failure. Another advantage of artificial intelligence is that it enables machine learning algorithms to examine the deployment process.

AI can enhance the accuracy of project planning and helps the software developer to monitor the project’s progression.

Machine learning algorithms can be used to offer estimates of duration, resource, and budget requirements for project activities based on historical information from previous projects.

Automated Project Budgeting

Software development budgeting is always a challenging task as it’s difficult to predict what hurdles you might encounter along the way and how much those roadblocks can eat into the budget or push back deadlines.

Often, the software development process overflows the pre-decided budget and deadlines. To cope up with this, accurate estimates need deep expertise, context understanding, and being familiar with the deployment team.

Machine learning helps to train the data from past projects like user stories, feature definitions, and estimates for predicting the effort and budget.

With the significant amount of the time spent on project budgeting, it helps the developers to decide which to prioritise and which to cut out.

Such an artificial intelligence platform can aid in assessing the performance of existing applications. This will help both the developing teams and businesses to identify the efforts that best maximise the outcome.

Final Thought

According to a recent report, AI-powered software development could assist the average developer to be 10X more productive than they would be on their own.

In general, machine learning and AI seems to have a significant effect on the design and creation of software. Offshore software development companies will be required to leverage the potential advantages of AI, which may prove to be an era-defining game-changer in software development.

Organisations should gain a better understanding of the advantages of AI and how it’s transforming the development landscape, so they can adequately respond to the latest technology and stay ahead of the competition.

Fresh application for residential and commercial development in Salthill

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February 14, 2023

Galway Daily news Fresh application for residential and commercial development in Salthill

A second attempt is being made for a major commercial and residential development around the Seapoint casino in Salthill.

Oldside Enterprise Ltd is seeking planning permission for the demolition of several buildings and extensions on the Upper Salthill Road.

In their place the developer intends to build new apartments, a café, and an extension to the existing Seapoint business.

This is the second time that Oldside have submitted plans for such a redevelopment of the area, after the city council and An Bord Pleanála both rejected applications in 2021 and last year.

The new plans call for the demolition of a three storey building at 185 Upper Salthill, and all but the roof and front facade of 183 Upper Salthill, as well as the four storey apartment building to the rear of 183, facing onto Quincentennial Drive

In its place the developer plans to build a three storey building, with an extension to Seapoint on the ground and first floors, with six apartments and a rooftop terrace on the top floor.

A number of single storey extensions around the main Seapoint building facing onto the Promenade will also be demolished.

In their place the developer seeks to build a three storey building with a café at the ground floor, and a three bedroom duplex apartment on the top floors.

Other works would include new signage and external stairs, as well as the provision of a footpath along Quincentennial Drive, and landscaping the grassy area next to Seapoint and the Prom.

The planning application states that a number of meetings were held with council officials between June and November of last year to address the reasons why the previous application was refused.

These include changes to the appearance and bulky nature of the previous design, according to the planning statement, to better suit what exists in the area already.

A decision on this fresh planning application is due from the city council by March 16 of this year.

Have You Gone WYLDE Yet?

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February 14, 2023

Galway Daily life & style Have You Gone WYLDE Yet?

WYLDE cafe and coffee shop in the heart of Galway City has enjoyed a wildly successful first year, and is looking to a promising horizon in 2023.

Located just a short distance from Eyre Square, and with an unmissable savage yet stylish look, WYLDE is nearing six months in business.

In that time, the high end coffee shop and delicatessen has quickly become a popular spot for a diverse array of foods featuring local producers, and fabulous coffee.

The team WYLDE are excited to welcome new and familiar customers as well as highlighting their menu offerings in the coming weeks and months.

“It has been a fantastic start for WYLDE, and we’re really excited about 2023,” said HYDE & WYLDE General Manager, Roisin McGee.

Galway is renowned for its vibrant food scene, trendy cafés, and warm welcomes – we provide all three here, and we do it with a fresh take that people have really responded to.”

Located just across the street from the Coach Station in the heart of Galway City, WYLDE’s location makes it ideal for sit-in or takeaway meals, and their menu is as diverse as one would expect from an artisanal Galway spot.

With quirky healthy menu options like “namaste WYLDE” chef Andy Lewis’ take of a traditional Buddha Bowl.

Their acai bowls are made using granola and fresh fruit while The Deli at WYLDE offers delightful, expertly crafted gourmet sandwiches and delicious flatbreads, which are lunchtime favourites.

Plus, The Dock is the dedicated on-site café that offers barista-crafted coffees made using Eight9 coffee beans from JJ Darboven, and the pastries are provided by Sunstreet Foods.

WYLDE also showcases exceptional local produce, including artisanal offerings such as gourmet cuisine, sustainable wine, and thoughtful gifts.

Local Irish producers such as Slieve Aughty Honey, Sheridan’s Cheesemongers, and Achill Island Sea Salt are just some of the names that can be found here.

Using local produce is part of part of WYLDE’s sustainability efforts, which also include compostable packaging, a variety of meat-free options and ethically sourced coffee.

This, along with their partnership with Too Good to Go to reduce food waste, has so far saved 430 meals and tonnes of CO2.

WYLDE is part of the wider Connacht Hospitality Group, which also operates The Connacht Hotel, HYDE Hotel, An Púcán, 1520 Bar and Residence Hotel, Galway Bay Golf Resort, and other businesses.

No doubt, 2023 is the year of WYLDE – and they have lots of reasons for you to stop by for a look.

Claddagh Watch extending patrol efforts for Rag Week

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February 14, 2023

Galway Daily news Claddagh Watch extending patrol efforts for Rag Week

The volunteer Claddagh Watch Patrol Group has announced that they will be extending their efforts to keep young people safe during Rag Week.

The volunteer group was established to prevent deaths by accident and suicide on the river and canals of Galway City by providing nighttime patrols along waterways.

The unofficial rag week celebrations are underway in Galway this week, and will continue until next Sunday.

While considered a welcome celebration and social event for young students, it is also associated with large amounts of drinking, which can put people in danger as they congregate near waterways.

Claddagh Watch said on their social media pages that they will be running additional patrols this week as part of their welcome efforts to keep people safe.

“It’s that time of year again, the 3rd level students of the City are celebrating Rag Week/College Week until next Sunday.”

“We’ll be out all week plus our usual weekend patrols to keep them safe and sound. If you see us on our rounds don’t be afraid to come say hello.”

Major step forward in plans for Inverin Education & Youth Centre

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February 14, 2023

Galway Daily news Two Galway women appointed to Board of Údarás na Gaeltachta

An investment of more than €300,000 in a new Education and Youth Centre for young people to be built in Inverin has been announced today.

Minister for the Gaeltacht Catherine Martin announced today that Údarás na Gaeltachta will receive a €314,280 grant for preparing and making an application for planning permission for the new centre.

The centre will be built on Údarás property in An Cnoc, which is used by Coláiste Lurgan and community groups.

When built, it will consist of a multi-purpose hall, classrooms, kitchen, offices as well as an outdoor play and parking space.

Assuming planning permission will be granted to Údarás na Gaeltachta, it is expected that the centre will be built by around autumn of 2025.

“I am delighted that this point has been reached in relation to the development of this Education and Youth Centre in the Cois Fharraige area,” Minister Catherine Martin said.

“Many thanks to everyone who worked diligently in partnership over recent years to reach consensus regarding the project, thereby facilitating the preparation of an application for planning permission.”

She added that the facilities in the new Education and Youth Centre will help with the goals of the Irish Language Plan for the area.

Chief Executive of Údarás na Gaeltachta Tomás Ó Síocháin added that they are pleased to have taken such a major step forward with this project, thanking Minister Martin and Minister of State Patrick O’Donovan, and all those involved with the process since 2020.

“We believe that this is a proposal that is vital for the future of the Irish language, not only in Cois Fharraige but nationally.”

“It was a long and complicated process to get us to this point, but we are fully confident that the Education and Youth Centre will be a national model, serving the youth of the Gaeltacht and the Irish speaking and learning community throughout the country.”

!Údarás will continue to work closely with the Department and the Cois Fharraige community to ensure that a centre is developed to the highest standard that will benefit future generations.”

It is expected that an application for permission will be ready to be submitted to Galway County Council by the summer of this year.

The centre will be owned and managed by Údarás, and will be an educational, youth, sports and community facility outside the summer period – when it will be used by Coláiste Lurgan as the main tenant.

Údarás will appoint a person in time when the centre is built to manage the centre on a daily basis as well as an advisory committee which will be made up of local interested parties.

Appeal lodged over Headford housing plans

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February 14, 2023

Galway Daily news Plans submitted for Headford housing development

An appeal has been lodged against the refusal of planning permission for a housing estate in Headford, which was shot down by the county council.

Plans were submitted by Callanan & Walsh Construction Co. Ltd for 16 houses on a site at Eallagh, Headford, off the N84 and next to the existing estate going by that name.

The county council refused planning for the development in January on the grounds the land is zoned Residential Phase 2, not considered for building in the lifetime of the current County Development Plan.

The council also said that it would create a road safety hazard on the national road via the new access point which would be built for the estate.

The first party appeal to An Bord Pleanála against this decision states that there are substantial difficulties in developing land zoned Phase 1 in the area, mainly due to access issues.

It states that there are exceptional circumstances which should allow these Phase 2 lands to be developed, as the site is already serviced and would continue the existing Eallagh housing estate.

A letter of support for the project signed by ten residents of the existing Eallagh housing estate was submitted to the council with the original application.

They said that having an additional entrance onto the N84 would be of great benefit to current and future residents of the estate.

However, two objections to the development were also received by the council, from local residents with safety concerns about the road entrance.

The appeal also stated that the proposed access point onto the N84 would allow for the future development of lands to the rear of the site, and that the Road Safety Audit and Traffic and Transport Plan which accompanied the application vouched for its safety.

An Bord Pleanála is currently due to rule on the appeal by June 5 of this year.

The housing in the proposed estate would comprise 8 three-bedroom, semi-detached, two storey units; 6 no. three-bedroom, mid-terrace, two storey units; 1 two-bedroom, single storey bungalow; and 1 four-bedroom, detached, two storey house.

New chest implant could be a life-saver for sleep apnoea sufferers

By

Angela Mc Bride

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February 14, 2023

A revolutionary chest implant could help thousands of people in the United Kingdom and Ireland gain relief from the debilitating symptoms of sleep apnoea.

Many people suffer from the condition, which occurs when the airway becomes blocked during sleep because the tongue has dropped backwards.

Sleep apnoea leaves people feeling overly tired and can increase the risk of several health conditions including heart disease, stroke and dementia.

The condition can ruin the sleep routines that numerous studies say people should establish if they want to get the best quality rest every night.

Even undertaking a pre-bedtime routine of meditating for 30 minutes would have little to no impact on someone who suffers from sleep apnoea.

However, an innovative device tested by Guy’s and St Thomas’ (GSTT) health trust in London has given renewed hope to sleep apnoea sufferers.

The device has already been widely used in medical facilities in the United States and Europe, and is on track to be rolled out closer to home.

Similar in size to a pacemaker or two 50 pence coins, the device is inserted under the skin on the chest wall during an operation that lasts around one hour.

It is then connected to a thin cable that is manipulated under the skin, before being connected to the nerve that moves the tongue.

By using a handheld controller, users turn the device on half an hour before sleep and switch it off again when they wake up.

One of the initial three recipients of the implant noted that their sleep apnoea had reduced from around 40 episodes per hour to just three or four.

The disruption to sleep caused by the condition not only has the potential to trigger serious health conditions, but can also be devastating in other ways.

For example, sleep experts in Europe estimate that around one-fifth of all car accidents are caused by people who fail to get the requisite amount of sleep.

Many accidents in the workplace have also been attributed to sleep deprivation, while several major disasters occurred as a result of people falling asleep on the job.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment has previously been the most common way medical professionals have treated sleep apnoea.

CPAP is a machine that blows air through a mask you wear at night and is designed to hold your airway open to stop it collapsing or narrowing while you are sleeping.

However, with many people finding it uncomfortable using CPAP, the implant tested by GSTT could become far more prevalent as a treatment over the coming years.

Matthias Winker was among the first patients to receive the new implant. He had suffered with sleep apnoea for more than four years and previously used CPAP to ease the problem.

While CPAP worked to a degree, the 40-year-old found the treatment unpleasant and is delighted to have the opportunity to use the new device.

“This therapy has been a tremendous success,” Winker told the Guardian. “I now only have two or three episodes per hour for a few seconds at a time and then the device jumps in so I can breathe. It took some time to get used to but now it’s comfortable and doesn’t wake me up in the night.

“It’s very exciting to be part of such an innovative pioneering treatment. It’s had absolutely fantastic results. I’m more energised. I have a better quality of sleep, I’m more alert and my concentration is much better. My general mood has also improved because I’m not constantly tired.”

Two men charged over dangerous driving ending in car crash

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February 14, 2023

Two men have been charged in connection with a serious dangerous driving incident on the N84 over the weekend, and another remains in custody.

A man in his 30s was brought before a special sitting of Galway District Court on Sunday, while another man in his 20s is due before a sitting of Ballina District Court today.

On Sunday, at approximately 1:30pm, a silver Volkswagen Passat estate travelling on the N84 towards Ballinrobe failed to stop for Gardaí.

After this the car was involved in a number of dangerous driving incidents as it travelled through the areas of Ballinrobe, Partry, Ballintubber, Clogher, Frenchill, Breaffy and Castlebar.

The car then crashed at Cottage Road in Breaffy, and three men were arrested at the scene of the collision.

A third person arrested in this case, a man in his 30s, remains in custody at a Garda Station in the Western Region.

Gardaí have said that they are continuing to investigate this incident, and have appealed for any witnesses to come forward.

Anyone who was travelling on foot or by vehicle in these areas between 1:00pm and 2:30pm, who may have witnessed or have footage (including dash cam) of the silver Volkswagen Passat car involved in this incident, is asked to make this available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with any information in relation to this incident is asked to contact Castlebar Garda Station on 0949038200 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800666111 or any Garda Station.

Denis Naughten will not contest next general election

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February 14, 2023

Galway Daily news Disappointment that no occupational injury benefits coming for Long Covid sufferers

Denis Naughten has announced today that he will not contest the next General Election, which is due to be held in 2025.

Naughten said that he has decided that after giving 26 years of his life to national politics, that now is the time to step back and explore new opportunities.

The Independent TD thanked the people of Galway, Roscommon, Longford and Leitrim for their support over the last quarter of a century.

He said it has truly been an honour to represent the people from those counties in Dáil Éireann over that time.

In a statement this morning, Deputy Naughten said: “I want to particularly thank the many people who canvassed for me over the years, some of whom had previously canvassed for my later father Liam.

“I want to sincerely thank all the staff who have worked with me over the years, and I want to particularly mention Deirdre Concannon and Jill Mellor and also my family for their support over those years, which at times were very difficult and challenging.

“I entered politics at a young age, in difficult circumstances, and it was always my intention to turn my hand to something outside politics.”

He said that the time has now come for that to happen and to provide an opportunity for others to represent the people of this area in Dáil Éireann.

“I provided support to the Government as an Independent TD at a time when political stability was required, representing my country at international level as Minister, furthering our collective national ambition towards a lower carbon society by imaginative and progressive policies on behalf of all our people.

“Since my initial election I have fought tirelessly for the improvement and delivery of our health services at both local and national level.

“Whilst protecting our local services was a condition of my support for the Government, the establishment of an all-party Committee on Health – which produced the first Sláintecare report, and which was the genesis of our current pathway – I believe will ultimately prove to be a key turning point in the delivery of a proper and responsive healthcare system in Ireland.

“My achievement in ensuring the delivery of fibre optic broadband to every home in Ireland, something that I had worked on for over 15 years, is something that I regard as a significant step in improving access to the people of all local communities in Ireland that I was honoured to represent and serve.”

Gardaí warn of romance fraud as scammers up the ante

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February 14, 2023

Galway Daily crime Gardaí report massive spike in scam related crimes last year

Gardaí are alerting the public about the danger of online relationships this Valentine’s Day – especially if you are asked for money or to invest in a business.

In 2022, 70% of all victims of romance fraud were female and a total of €1,958,089 was stolen, up 23% on the previous year.

Almost of €6,000,000 has been stolen in romance fraud since 2019, and the fraud occurs all year round, not just around Valentine’s Day.

Romance fraud can often rely on catfishing, a form of phishing where the fraudsters pretend to be another person in order to hook the victim in.

Romance fraudsters may try to get their victims to send them money using the following excuses: To cover the cost of travelling to see the victim, for emergency medical expenses or other bills, and a business opportunity which would see the victim make a quick profit.

There is an ever-increasing link between romance fraud and investment fraud, gardaí say.

In many cases, scammers will ask victims to invest in a fraudulent scheme or business.

Such investments ultimately see the funds transferred to the fraudster through a number of linked accounts.

Members of the public are advised to be vigilant as there are huge risks involved in investing in cryptocurrencies and not to share any money with someone they meet through online websites or apps and to get professional and legal advice before investing.

Gardaí work closely with Europol to disrupt the activities of romance scammers, particularly organised crime gangs that engage in this type of criminality; as well as monitoring dating sites for this activity.

Days remaining to apply for City Council’s Arts Grant 2023

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February 13, 2023

galway daily news arts grant 2023 deadline

The application deadline for the 2023 Arts Grant is nearing, with just days remaining for arts organisations to apply.

This year’s application opened earlier than usual, with the Arts Office aiming to ensure organisations could plan adequately for the coming year as early as possible.

Galway City Council is inviting applications from arts organisations based in Galway City, and funding will support arts organisations, programmes and projects.

The grant is split into two distinct strands: one for professional organisations and one for community, voluntary and amateur organisations.

This ensures the application, assessment and funding processes are tailored to the distinct needs of both strands.

The closing date for applications is Thursday, 16 February at 4.00pm.

Please refer to www.galwaycity.ie/artsgrants2023 for further details.

Wildlands in Galway open 14 unique log cabins for breaks

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February 13, 2023

galway daily news wildlands moycullen log cabin

Fourteen open plan log cabins situated in the heart of Wildlands in Moycullen are available for bookings from today.

The unique detached cabins were designed by local architect Associated Design Ltd in Moycullen and many local suppliers and tradesmen worked on the cabins over the past year.

Situated just ten minutes from Galway city, Wildlands is a unique indoor and outdoor adventure centre located in twenty acres of mature woodland.

There are five different options – studio cabins, two bed family cabin, large studio cabins, large studio cabins with kids room and a large accessible cabin for those with mobility issues.

All cabins are open plan and have rustic antique details including exposed rafts and outdoor decking.

The interiors reflect the natural landscape – muted colours such as sage green and ochre are used throughout the cabins including furnishings and tiles.

The business is run by brother and sister David and Faye Bohan, who said they are excited to bring this new part of the business to life offering luxury self-catering accommodation in the heart of Galway.

All cabins are located a minute’s walk from Wildlands’ adventure hub and the award-winning Olive Tree Kitchen where the Bohan’s belief in sustainability is carried through in the use of reclaimed wood and upcycled materials, much of which was sourced from salvage yards throughout Ireland.

Environmental sustainability is core to Wildlands and architects Associated Design Ltd and planning consultants MKO worked closely with the management team to ensure environmental impact was kept to a minimum.

David Bohan said: “Our goal is to make Wildlands the number one adventure destination in Ireland and we will continue to invest in the business and our dedicated team.”

The cabins are available for breaks from today at www.wildlands.ie

Two people taken to UHG following serious collision

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February 13, 2023