Home Blog Page 248

Cllr welcomes €950,000 funding for rural roads and laneways in Galway

By
Michael Malone
-
0
Galway daily news Galway receives over €850,000 for local access roads maintenance

Rural roads and laneways in Galway will receive funding of over €954,000 to improve accessibility under the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS).

A total of €250,000 was allocated to the islands in an announcement by Minister Heather Humphreys this morning.

Galway County Councillor Andrew Reddington welcomed the funding of €12.4 million for roads and lanes across the country under the LIS.

The scheme aims to help communities improve non-public roads and lanes that are not typically maintained by local authorities.

“This landmark fund is the first of its kind, the first time we’ve seen time dedicated funding for island communities,” said Cllr Reddington.

“Our homes, farms, and local amenities here in Galway will reap the benefits of this investment.”

The councillor said that the allocation will do a lot to work on the many private roads which are currently on long lists, and he said that he will call on Minister Humphreys to allocate a second tranche at the end of 2023.

School Transport Scheme review must be published urgently says Cannon

By
Michael Malone
-
0
Galway Daily news Public consultation opens on Cross-City Link bus corridor

The School Transport Scheme review and its recommendations must be published urgently so that parents and school managers can plan ahead for September 2023, Galway East TD Ciaran Cannon has said.

Deputy Cannon has also called on parents who have unused school transport tickets to relinquish them so that seats can be freed up on bus routes for students who urgently need to avail of them.

He said the delay in the review’s publication is causing great frustration amongst parents and school managers who are trying to plan ahead for the next school year.

“The deadline for applications for school bus tickets was April last year, with the deadline to confirm registration for tickets the following July,” said the Fine Gael TD.

“Cost-of-living measures last year provided free access to those eligible for the school transport programme and benefited 129,000 children who received a school bus ticket.

“However, it led to great challenges due to capacity issues, particularly in rural parts of the country with some children left with no bus seats and delays in the issuing of tickets.”

Deputy Cannon said that he was also aware of many school buses that are operating with numerous empty seats because families booked a ticket last year when school transport fees were suspended.

Now with those families choosing not to avail of the service, other families are left scrambling for seats and have been told none are available.

“When Bus Éireann management look at those routes on their computer systems, they can see that every seat has been allocated to a child, when in reality many of those children are not actually availing of a seat,” he said.

“There’s nothing that Bus Éireann management can do in that instance, which is why I’m asking parents who have never used the service to give up their ticket for this year. They always have the option of applying for a ticket for next September.

“It would be a gesture of generosity and goodwill to their neighbours who really need the service.”

Parents who wish to give up unused tickets can do so by simply logging on to the Bus Éireann school transport portal, the same one they used to book their ticket, and cancelling their ticket.

They then must return the physical ticket in the post to School Transport Section in their region, details of which can be found here.

File for DPP after drugs seized in Oranmore and Ballinasloe

By
Michael Malone
-
0
galway daily news drugs seized in galway

The two men (30s and 40s) who were arrested as part of a Garda search operation in Galway on Saturday have been released without charge and a file will now be prepared for the DPP.

Gardaí seized €75,000 worth of drugs and made the arrests following searches at a number of residences in Ballinasloe and Oranmore on Saturday evening.

During the course of the searches, Gardaí seized cocaine, cannabis, MDMA, Ketamine and LSD. Over €800 in cash was also seized.

Gardaí say investigations into the seizure are continuing.

Progress being made on projects for new schools in Athenry

By
Michael Malone
-
0
Galway Daily classroom summer provision

Galway East TD Sean Canney has said that progress is being made on the building projects to amalgamate the boys and girls’ national schools in Athenry, and the proposed Gaelscoil campus.

The Minister for Education Norma Foley confirmed that additional land is required for the new amalgamated school and that agreement has been reached in principle with the landowner to acquire the land.

The Minister confirmed to Deputy Canney that her Department will progress the preparation of the Accommodation Brief for the building project.

Canney said that this will allow for the project to go to design, planning, procurement, and construction.

The Independent TD also received confirmation that the new Gaelscoil campus is progressing.

The project has been devolved to GRETB and is currently at Stage 2a of the architectural planning process.

The Department received the Stage 2a Report from GRETB in January 2023.

“I am continuing to keep pressure on the Department to deliver these much-needed modern educational facilities in the town of Athenry are delivered in the shortest time possible,” said the Galway East TD.

“Athenry is a growing town and the demand for modern educational facilities are required to complement the existing new modern secondary schools already delivered.”

Tributes paid to teenagers who lost their lives in Menlo Pier tragedy

By
Michael Malone
-
0
galway daily news Burial today for teenage boy who lost his life in Menlo Pier tragedy

Tributes have been paid to the teenagers who tragically lost their lives when a car entered the water in Galway City in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The teenagers have been named locally as 16-year-old John Keenan, 17-year-old Wojcieck Panek and 19-year-old Christopher Stokes.

Olympic Boxing Club Galway said that Christopher Stokes and John Keenan were both exceptional young men and that they were too young to go.

“Rest in perfect peace boys, we’re all broken-hearted,” they said.

“Our broken heartfelt condolences goes to Anthony and Kate Stokes and Family.”

Earlier on Saturday, the boxing club said: “John has been with us at Olympic BC since he was 10 years old after following his brother Martin Sammon through our doors.

“John had always had a big smile on his face and would go out of his way to do anything for anyone, he never let anything get him down.

“Our sincerest and heartfelt condolences goes out to John’s Brother Martin, his Mother Elizabeth and his brothers and sisters.”

Gardaí and emergency services responded to a car going into the water at Menlo pier on the outskirts of the city at approximately 2:40am on Saturday morning.

Three teenage males were taken from the water and brought to University Hospital Galway.

Two of the males were later pronounced dead at hospital, while Gardaí said that the third was in critical condition. Gardaí confirmed that the third teenager also passed away.

Portiuncula Hospital launches ‘Little Journey’ virtual reality app

By
Michael Malone
-
0
galway daily news little journey app portiuncula hospital
Portiuncula University Hospital launches ‘Little Journey’ virtual reality app to help children between the ages of 3 and 12, to prepare for surgery and allay their anxiety in advance of their hospital stay. From left, Elizabeth Fitzgerald, Theatre Staff Nurse; Breda Brady, Clinical Skills Facilitator, Paediatric Unit; 6 year old Diarmuid Fallon from Oran, County Roscommon and Dr Vinod Sudhir, Consultant Anaesthesiologist.

Portiuncula University Hospital has launched a virtual reality app to help children between the ages of 3 and 12 to prepare for surgery and reduce their anxiety ahead of their hospital stay.

The ‘Little Journey’ app provides 360 degree views of all the areas the children will visit at the hospital as well as useful information about anaesthesiology tailored to the age of the child.

The app is free to download from Google Play Store or App Store and can be used on a smartphone in 2D or using a 3D virtual reality headset.

It gives children the chance to meet the animated healthcare characters who will explain what they do and what happens on the day of surgery and see some of the equipment which will be used to care for them.

They can also find out more about what to expect on the day of their procedure and includes a virtual tour of the children’s day ward, the theatre room and the recovery room at the hospital.

Dr Vinod Sudhir, Consultant Anaesthesiologist at Portiuncula University Hospital, said that preoperative anxiety in children and parents is a very real phenomenon before undergoing general anaesthesia.

“As healthcare professionals we recognise the increasing impact of anxiety and the physiological negative impact it can have on the child’s and parent’s ability to cope with events surrounding the experience of anaesthesiology and surgery,” said Dr Sudhir.

“Children may have anxiety around the multidisciplinary environment of theatre, their expectation of events, meeting unfamiliar people and even fear of pain.”

He explained that parents or guardians can accompany their young children to theatre and be present with them during induction of anaesthesia.

“Some of the parent’s anxiety comes from their fear of the unknown and the steps surrounding their role with their child at the time their child undergoes anaesthesia.

“By providing information through the app, which uses child-friendly animation, we can begin to prepare parents/guardians and children for surgery and ease their distress.”

Martina Fallon, mum to Diarmuid, said that the app was very helpful for her son.

“He could visualise his hospital experience through the app and it really helped not only him but me to prepare,” she said.

“He loved the different characters and games and played the games all the way in the car to the hospital.  It is also a great information tool for parents; we loved it, it’s a great resource.”

Local company teams up with Boston Scientific for new electric truck

By
Michael Malone
-
0
galway daily news boston scietific and aztec logistics volvo truck
Pictured with the new Volvo Fl Electric truck operated by Atez Logistics and Boston Scientific at the Ballybane facility were (front) Fintan Lalor,  Aztec Logistics; Tara Carr Environmental Health & Safety Manager Boston Scientific; and Brian Winston, Logistics Traffic Manager Boston Scientific. (Back L-r) Boston Scientific's Bernie Ludden, Director of Materials Management, Liam Walsh, Warehouse Supervisor John Kelly, Facilities Coordinator and Mike Murphy, Site Services Director. "

A Galway based logistics company is teaming up with Boston Scientific to invest in pioneering electric truck technology to slash carbon emissions.

Aztec Logistics, situated in Oranmore, has obtained a fully-electric Volvo Truck for their logistic activities.

The company hopes that the new vehicle will deliver improved air quality, a reduction in CO2 of over 80% and a 50% reduction in noise.

The benefits of the truck will include driver wellbeing, meeting corporate social responsibility and environmental targets and readiness for future legislation.

Electric trucks can also operate in places where conventional trucks for example like indoor building warehousing or city areas with zero emissions regulations.

It is estimated that by 2030, 50% of all trucks sold in Europe will be electric, using either battery or fuel cell technology.

Aztec Logistics said: “There is no denying that the transportation industry is at the start of a gradual transition towards fossil-free alternatives and Aztec is committed to being at the forefront of this transition.

“We are working together with our customers to provide a greener future for our employees and the wider Galway community and also provide a greater choice for our customers.”

New assistant garda commissioner for North West region

By
Michael Malone
-
0
Galway Daily news missing teen found safe

Cliona Richardson has been appointed assistant commissioner in An Garda Síochána.

Cliona has a wide and extensive breadth of policing experience and knowledge, having served in the gardaí for 30 years.

She was a Detective Chief Superintendent and head of the Liaison and Protection Section of An Garda Síochána.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said that her appointment will be of great benefit to the Garda senior leadership team and to the North West region.

“Cliona’s leadership will also be invaluable as An Garda Síochána continues on our modernisation programme through the implementation of A Policing Service For Our Future.”

Galway gardaí arrest two men and seize €75,000 drugs in major operation

By
Michael Malone
-
0
galway daily news drugs seized in galway

Gardaí have seized €75,000 worth of drugs and arrested two men as part of a search operation on Saturday.

Gardaí carried out searches at a number of residences in Ballinasloe and Oranmore on Saturday evening as part of an ongoing investigation into drug dealing in the county.

During the course of the searches, Gardaí seized quantities of cocaine, cannabis, MDMA, Ketamine and LSD with a combined value of approximately €75,000.

Over €800 in cash was also seized. The drugs are now subject to analysis by Forensic Science Ireland (FSI).

Two men (aged in their 30s and 40s) were arrested as part of this investigation. Both men are currently detained in Galway Garda Station under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996.

Investigations are ongoing.

Speaking today, Chief Superintendent Gerard Roche, Galway Division, said: “These seizures demonstrate our commitment in tackling organised crime and drug dealers around the county”.

Third teenager dies following car going into water in Galway City

By
Briain Kelly
-
0
Galway Daily news Missing 17 year old teenager found safe and well

A third teenager has died today after a car went into the water in Galway City in the early hours of Saturday.

Gardaí and emergency services responded to a car going into the water at Menlo pier on the outskirts of the city at appriximately 2:40am this morning.

Three teenage males were taken from the water and brought to University Hospital Galway.

Two of the males were later pronounced dead at hospital, while Gardaí said that the third was in critical condition.

In a statement this evening, Gardaí have said that the third teenager has now also passed away.

The scene at Menlo Pier remains preserved for technical examination by Forensic Collision Investigators.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who has information that can assist with this investigation to contact Gaillimh Garda Station on 091 538000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Two people killed, another critical after car goes into the water

By
Briain Kelly
-
0
Galway Daily news missing teen found safe

Two people have lost their lives, and another is in critical condition, after a car went into the water in the early hours of Saturday morning.

At approximately 2:40am, Gardaí and emergency services received reports of a car in the water at Menlo Pier in Galway city.

Three males were removed from the water and taken to University Hospital Galway where two of them have since passed away.

The condition of the third male is currently described as critical, An Garda Síochána have said.

The scene at Menlo Pier is currently preserved for technical examination and the services of Forensic Collision Investigators have been requeste

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who has information that can assist with this investigation to contact Gaillimh Garda Station on 091 538000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Perfume Samples: What They Are and Where to Find Them

By
Angela Mc Bride
-
0

Perfume samples are small containers of fragrances typically around 2 ml in size that allow users to try perfumes without the expensive price tag of buying a full bottle. Samples offer a convenient and affordable way for customers to experiment with different scents and find the perfect fragrance for them. Cheap perfume samples are the perfect way to not have to commit to a full bottle of perfume, before deciding if the scent is really for you.

What Are Perfume Samples?

Perfume samples are small bottles or vials of perfume, usually 2 ml in size, that are often given away by companies who sell fragrance products. These samples are great for customers who want to try a particular scent but don’t want to commit to buying a full-size bottle. The small size of the sample makes it easy to carry around, allowing you to easily touch up your perfume on the go.

Where Can I Buy Perfume Samples?

You can buy perfume samples online from retailers such as Parfumery. These websites often offer sample sets, which come in collections of multiple scents at discounted prices. You can also find samples of specific perfumes on sites like Etsy, Amazon, and eBay. These websites also tend to have better prices than those at traditional brick-and-mortar stores.

What Are The Benefits Of Buying Perfume Samples?

The biggest benefit of purchasing perfume samples is that it allows the user to explore different scents without having to commit to an entire bottle. This is great for people who are just starting out their fragrance journey or those who want to experiment with different scents without breaking the bank.

Another advantage of these samples is that they allow users to test out new fragrances without worrying about them going bad over time if they don’t like it – something that could happen if you buy a full-sized bottle and then find out it’s not your style after all! Plus, since these samples are much smaller than their bottled counterparts, they’re easier to travel with and more convenient overall.

Finally, since some retailers offer discounts when purchasing perfume samples in bulk (e.g., 4+ items), this makes them even more cost-effective than buying single bottles at full retail price!

Conclusion

Perfume samples are an affordable and convenient way for people looking for new fragrances without making any major commitments or spending too much money in one go. With so many retailers now offering sample sets at discounted prices, it’s never been easier or more budget-friendly for users to explore the wonderful world of perfumery.

Danú Media to launch new screenwriting development course

By
Michael Malone
-
0
Galway Daily arts & culture Galway Film Fleadh open 2020 script pitching competition

Galway-based production company Danú Media is launching a new script writing development programme – Greenlight Screenwriting Lab.

The programme will provide support and upskilling opportunities to a new generation of emerging scriptwriters and script editors through hands on training and mentoring.

Greenlight Screenwriting Lab will offer an opportunity for six new scriptwriters to be mentored by course director Philip Shelley and other industry professionals to develop a new TV drama series.

Philip Shelley has been running the Channel 4 Screenwriting Course for 13 years, working with much of the best new talent in UK screenwriting.

Mr Shelley said he was delighted to be approached by Siobhán and Danú Media to run this new initiative to discover and work with new Irish dramatic writing talent.

“Ireland has such a rich history in dramatic writing, and so many recent successes in film and TV, so I can’t wait to get stuck in to working with new Irish writers and the stories they want to tell,” he said.

The programme will also offer shadow opportunities for three people interested in script editing.

Nadine Flynn, who works with Danú Media as Development Executive, will be heavily involved in the course, with experience as a script editor herself.

“It goes without saying that Ireland is full of emerging and exciting talent when it comes to screenwriting, and so we are delighted to be able to partner with Philip, and devise this new course, in the hopes that it will nurture that talent while also creating opportunities and training for script editors,” said Ms Flynn.

“It’s important to us that we continue to support our industry, and we’re confident that Greenlight Screenwriting Lab will do just that.”

The successful six writers will be notified by the end of April 2023 and will then work on their idea for six months, through in-person weekend workshops and one to one meetings and feedback.

Guest speakers and industry professionals will also play an important part in the scheme.

Greenlight Screenwriting Lab will be open to any writer’s resident on the island of Ireland and also any Irish writers who may be resident overseas.

Criteria around Diversity, Equality and Inclusion will also be taken into account when shortlisting writers for interview.  

The working language of the training will be English; but they particularly welcome writers who can speak Irish and wish to write material in Irish.

Full details are available on https://script-consultant.co.uk and applicants are asked to refer to the FAQ section before applying.

Family carers have waited far too long for state pensions says Galway TD

By
Michael Malone
-
0
galway daily news claire kerrane at dáil child maintenance

Local TD Claire Kerrane has called on Minister Heather Humphreys to expedite plans for legislation to provide a state pension for long-term family carers.

The Roscommon-Galway TD has raised issue many times and questioned the Minister on the matter again in the Dáil on Wednesday morning.

Minister Humphreys confirmed that the Department of Social Protection is working on producing the required legislation, with the intention that it would be ready in the second half of this year.

But Deputy Kerrane said that the reality is that family carers have already waited far too long and too many have already and continue to lose out when they reach retirement age without a state pension to support them.

“In many cases, we are talking about family carers who give a lifetime of care not to mention the billions they save the state every year and this should be recognised,” said the Sinn Féin TD.

She said her party has called for a state pension for long-term carers to be provided for several years, and included a proposal on this very issue in its alternative budget this year.

“We have engaged extensively with organisations representing carers and with family carers themselves, and know that a state pension solution is desperately needed and deserved,” said Deputy Kerrane.

“The government has finally been forced to take action on this matter following recommendations from the Report by the Commission on Pensions, which was published last year.

“I am calling on the Minister to expedite the process and bring forward legislation which will provide a state pension solution for long-term family carers.”

Impressive mural unveiled by pupils at Claddagh National School

By
Michael Malone
-
0
galway daily news mural by claddagh national school pupils
Pictured at the mural launch are (L-R): Maria Marra, Chris Kelly, Mark Langtry, Gabriel Farragher, Michael Gallagher, Mikie Rowe, Conor O’Keefe, Abbie Callanan, Anna Fahey, Birgit Lochmann, Peter Lochmann, Lisa Stewart, Abhay Pandit, Louise Sheilds, Sarah Gundy.

Students from Claddagh National School unveiled a large mural yesterday at an event attended by players from Galway United’s men’s and women’s squads.

The mural, funded by Claddagh Credit Union, was tailor-made to reflect the students’ talents and interests.

The pupils created the impressive artwork with local artists Birgit and Peter Lochmann, and CÚRAM researchers at University of Galway were on hand to give the students art science workshops.

(L-R): Maria Marra, Chris Kelly, Mark Langtry, Gabriel Farragher, Michael Gallagher, Mikie Rowe, Conor O’Keefe, Abbie Callanan, Anna Fahey, Birgit Lochmann, Peter Lochmann, Lisa Stewart, Abhay Pandit, Louise Sheilds, Sarah Gundy.

In keeping with the school’s love of football, the mural was installed on the Astro pitch and features the late Eamonn ‘Chick’ Deacy, a Galway football legend.

Through the CÚRAM researchers’ workshops, the students learned how scientists use marine-inspired materials to discover ways of developing cures to treat various illnesses.

This helped illustrate the importance of keeping our oceans healthy to keep our bodies healthy as well.

Players from the Galway United men’s and women’s squads: Conor O’Keeffe, Mikie Rowe, Abbie Callanan, Anna Fahey.

Mark Langtry (‘Mark the Science Guy’) also performed his ‘Football Physics’ show to teach students how science can enhance their sports performance.

Gabriel Farragher, 6th class teacher at Claddagh National School, said: “We were delighted to participate in the project as it provided the pupils with an exciting opportunity to get involved in hands-on, cross-curricular workshops, on a weekly basis, incorporating the areas of Science and Art.

“The football angle added an even greater interest in the project for the pupils. The icing on the cake is the colourful mural that now brightens up our Astro pitch.”

Louise Shields, CEO of Claddagh Credit Union, said: “With community at the centre of this incredible project, reflecting community at the heart of our credit union, we were delighted to support this mural project.

“We are so impressed to see the outcome of this collaboration in the mural in Claddagh National School.”

Professor Abhay Pandit, Scientific Director of CÚRAM, said: “We are always trying new ways for our researchers to collaborate with community partners to create a better understanding and awareness of our research and its importance for society.

“This collaboration with the Claddagh Credit Union and students of the Claddagh National School promotes the idea of transdisciplinary research and showcases the value of bringing the worlds of art and science together.”

The History Of Gambling And How It Has Evolved Over The Years

By
Thomas O'Brien
-
0

Gambling has been around since the dawn of civilization, originating as various games and contests of chance. In its early days, it provided entertainment for kings and commoners alike.

Fast forward to today — gambling has evolved from a pastime into an international phenomenon seen around the world. From ancient dice-throwing competitions in Egypt to modern card games like blackjack and poker, gamblers have come up with ever more creative ways to test their fate (and luck!).

Join us on our journey through time as we explore how gambling fads have changed over the years!

Ancient Gambling

Gambling has been around for a very long time — it’s so old that it dates back to the ancient world! Some of the most popular types of gambling during this time included dice games, which were typically played with a pair of dice and governed by luck.

Other forms of gambling commonly practiced in the ancient world included sports betting, usually on chariot racing and gladiator fights.

Of course, gambling wasn’t just relegated to primitive activities; it was also used as a way for individuals to make money or build wealth.

Although not necessarily considered legal in all societies, it nonetheless provided an alternative economic solution and source of entertainment – something we can still enjoy today!

Medieval and Renaissance Gambling

During the medieval and Renaissance period, gambling underwent a major evolution. The introduction of playing cards opened up endless possibilities for medieval gamblers – from card games to bets on horse racing.

While some people still preferred their classic board games like Chess or Backgammon, most folks were thrilled by the rise of new exciting opportunities to win big!

Even more revolutionary, though, was the rise of casinos in this time – grand, luxurious establishments with dice tables, card tables, and all sorts of other fun activities for all types of people to enjoy.

Sure, the roller-coasters of today may not be around yet, but there’s no denying it: ‘Casino life’ sure was pretty fun even 500+ years ago!

Modern Gambling

The 20th century marked a boom for the gambling industry, thanks to the introduction of several new technologies. Slot machines that had once been objects of curiosity in obscure places were suddenly widely adopted everywhere from casinos to convenience stores.

With developments in internet technology, gamblers no longer had to physically visit their favorite casino – everything went online, giving everyone access to blackjack casino games and roulette at their fingertips.

Today’s advancements in mobile gaming mean you can even bring your casino wherever you go – all while quietly hoping your lucky stars keep you winning big!

Current State of Gambling

The gambling industry is seeing some novel changes in recent years with the trend towards increased mobile gaming and the emergence of new markets. In 2020 alone, almost 50% of casino gamblers now play on their phones – a startling statistic given that this platform was only invented a few decades ago.

New markets, on the other hand, are cropping up all over the world and giving more people access to casinos than ever before. As countries like Japan and Qatar begin to open up their Vegas-style casinos, many bettors are crossing continents to experience the thrill of live gambling.

In addition, new markets such as fantasy sports offer fans a unique alternative to traditional casino games. It’s an exciting time for the gambling world and one can only imagine what innovations and new opportunities will arise shortly!

Conclusion

Gambling has come a long way since its ancient origins. Thanks to the rise of technology, gambling is now more accessible than ever before. With so many different options available, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you prefer classic casino games or something more modern like online slots, there’s always an exciting game to play.

 

Arrests made and cars detained by Gardaí during major road safety operation

By
Michael Malone
-
0
Galway Daily news National Slow Down Day traffic operation after road deaths

A motorist driving at 113kmh on Bóthar na dTreabh at Ballinfoyle was among those nabbed by Gardaí during the February bank holiday weekend in a nationwide road safety operation which saw almost 200 people arrested for drink and drug driving.

One person died in a fatal collision on Irish roads over the weekend, and a further nine crashes took place that resulted in nine serious and life-threatening injuries.

Gardaí carried out 1,248 checkpoints across the country between 7am last Friday and 7am on Tuesday as part of the operation.

Of the 196 people arrested for driving under the influence, 123 were alcohol related and 73 were drugs related.

Fixed charge offences for other road offences during the period included mobile phones (216), learner unaccompanied drivers (123) and seatbelts (69).

A total of 460 vehicles were also detained under section 41 Road Traffic Act for offences such as unaccompanied learner driver, no driving licence, no insurance and no tax.

During this period, Go-Safe cameras checked the speed of 393,626 vehicles.

One of the most notable speeding offences was a driver doing 165 kmh in a 120 kmh zone on the M18 at Killeenhugh, Kinvara.

An Garda Síochána appealed once again to all road users, regardless of their mode of transport, to continue to ‘stay safe’ on our roads.

COPE Galway Shop to host special wedding dress event 

By
Michael Malone
-
0
Galway daily news cope galway wedding dress

The COPE Galway Charity Shop will hold a special wedding dress event next weekend to showcase a beautiful range of designer wedding gowns and shoes. 

On Sunday, February 19 from 1pm to 5pm, the shop on St Augustine Street will be transformed into a ‘Green Bride Wedding Dress Showroom’ for the eco-conscious bride-to-be.

There is an abundant selection of new and ‘worn-once’ dresses in different styles and sizes, as well as accessories and new bridal shoes, all within an attractive price-range.

Each worn-once dress has been cleaned and all are in excellent condition. 

GALWAY WEDDING DRESS
Nicole Okinokabu models one of a stunning collection of designer dresses from the COPE Galway Charity Shop Wedding Collection. An exquisite ivory, satin Maggie Sottero dress with pale rose gold and white appliqué and beads on the asymmetrical draped bodice and a train. Size 6-8, with adjustable lace-up back. Cleaned and in excellent condition. Price: €250. Many more available to browse along with new bridal shoes and accessories. 

Launching the wedding event, Shop Manager, Allison Currah, said: “Finding the perfect dress for your wedding day does not have to mean a big expense.

“Today’s brides are likely to think green, recycle and save their euros. With living costs now so high, spending less on a beautiful dress means you can spend more on the other things that matter to you.”

There are many high-end designer brands available at great prices. From exquisite Maggie Sottero, Whistles and Victoria Jane gowns to a vintage-style dress from Ave Maria, there is a dress to suit every style. 

“With love in the air at this time of year, we are excited to have our designer wedding gowns and new shoes available to browse at this special event,” Allison added.

“Buying one of our gowns and knowing that, not only does it look beautiful, it is also budget- and planet- friendly, will inspire a truly dazzling smile for all the photos on the big day! So come along, have a look and you just might say yes to the dress!”

The event takes place on Sunday, February 19 at the COPE Galway Charity Shop on St. Augustine Street. For more information please phone 091 56 97 15.

Croí Cónaithe scheme should include homes refurbished for rental – local TD

By
Michael Malone
-
0
galway daily news Over 130 children in emergency accommodation in Galway City

The Croí Cónaithe scheme should be expanded to include properties that are refurbished for rental, Galway East TD Ciaran Cannon has said.

The current scheme offers a grant of up to €50,000 to refurbish vacant and derelict properties, but the person carrying out the refurbishment must be using the new home as their main residence.

Deputy Cannon said expanding the scheme to include rental properties would help more families and individuals to find homes.

The Fine Gael TD said he is receiving many enquiries from people who wish to refurbish vacant properties for rental, both in towns and rural locations.

Extending the Croí Cónaithe scheme would unlock the potential of thousands of vacant properties across the country, he said.

“Late last year I made the case that the Croí Cónaithe scheme should be extended to include rural areas and ultimately this change was made to the scheme.

“My suggestion at the time was based on the number of enquiries I was receiving from people who owned vacant buildings in rural East Galway and couldn’t understand why they were excluded from the scheme.”

Deputy Cannon said that he has no doubt but that there are many such property owners across the country, and that a grant of up to €50,000 would be the difference between leaving buildings vacant and derelict or returning them to use as family homes.

“All of us who travel through our local towns and villages see so many properties that have been boarded up for years. Why wouldn’t we use every lever available to us to bring them back into use?

“I’m engaging with Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien to make this suggestion to him, to make the grant available to anyone who wants to turn a vacant building into a home. That’s what we really need to work towards.”

Specsavers Eyre Square hosts GAA day out for older and vulnerable people

By
Michael Malone
-
0
galway daily news specsavers gaa day out for older people in galway
Local community members

Specsavers on Eyre Square teamed up with Salthill-Knocknacarra GAA club in an initiative that aims to reconnect older and more vulnerable people within the GAA community.

As part of the initiative, Specsavers Eyre Square provided a €500 bursary fund to Salthill-Knocknacarra GAA club to bring the elderly and more vulnerable in the local community to the Galway versus Roscommon Allianz League game last Sunday.

The aim of the initiative was to give people who may have fallen out of the habit of going to GAA games in recent years and who otherwise might not attend a GAA game, the opportunity to attend and enjoy a day out watching their favourite sport.

Speaking about the GAA day out, Specsavers Galway Eyre Square store director, Brian McNamara, said: “Looking out for our community is so important to us, so this was another way for us to help those who may have been shielding during the pandemic.”

He said it was a way to encourage older people to re-connect with the wider society and get back to enjoying the activities they love the most.

“We were delighted to work with Salthill-Knocknacarra GAA club on this initiative and we hope that everyone enjoyed the day.”

Paul Hickey, Healthy Club Officer at Salthill-Knocknacarra GAA club, thanked all the staff at Specsavers for organising a great day trip to Pearse stadium.

“It was a great day out and one which our community members will remember,” he said.

1...247248249...1,066Page 248 of 1,066