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Galway researchers creating ‘shape-shifting’ medical device for blood pressure monitoring

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Galway researchers creating ‘shape-shifting’ medical device for blood pressure monitoring

A Galway led consortium is developing a next generation ‘shape-shifting’ medical device for monitoring people’s blood pressure.

The EU has awarded €4.4 million for the SMARTSHAPE project, which aims to develop an implantable medical device which can continuously monitor a patient’s blood pressure.

The SMARTSHAPE consortium is led by Professor William Wijns, a Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) funded researcher at University of Galway.

According to Professor Wijns, “The best innovations start with a clinical need. Patients who require monitoring are better off in their own homes rather than in a hospital setting.”

“There is a huge market opportunity for a medical-grade, user-friendly, and minimally invasive solution for continuous blood pressure monitoring.”

Hypertension is the leading global contributor to premature death, accounting for more than 9 million deaths a year.

Elevated blood pressure is a chronic lifetime risk factor that can lead to serious cardiovascular events if undiagnosed or poorly controlled.

Many high-risk patients require long-term monitoring to tailor drug treatments and improve healthcare outcomes.

But despite this, there is no clinically accepted method of monitoring blood pressure beat-by-beat, which can be used outside of a hospital.

The SMARTSHAPE consortium has developed a specialised sensor for continuously measuring blood pressure.

But Dr Atif Shahzad, joint director of the Smart Sensors Lab at the University of Galway added that there are many more challenges related to “biocompatibility, longevity, and delivery to the target tissue” that need to be addressed in the medical device.

They intend to address these by developing a new biomaterial, a temperature-dependent shape memory polymer (SMP).

“SMPs will enable the development of a microsensor that can be curled up, introduced into the body through a minimally invasive procedure, and ‘opened up’ when placed at body temperature to take a predefined shape.”

Dr Sandra Ganly, Senior Research Fellow in Cardiovascular Risk Factor Research at University of Galway, said that the potential for this sensor technology goes well beyond blood pressure monitoring.

“Continuous physiological pressure monitoring can provide key information for early diagnosis, patient-specific treatment, and preventive healthcare in a wide range of healthcare indications.”

“This will significantly broaden the potential and open avenues for other products and research innovation.”

The SMARTSHAPE consortium of eight partner institutions is led by the University of Galway and includes partners across Ireland, the UK, Switzerland, Italy, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic.

Local Enterprise Office Galway client companies created 221 jobs last year

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway daily business

Companies supported by the Local Enterprise Office in Galway created more than 220 new jobs last year.

Figures for 2022 show that LEO Galway was supporting 268 client companies by the end of the year, which employed 1,192 people.

The net jobs created by Local Enterprise Office Galway supported clients in 2022 was 43.

This takes into account companies that amalgamated, ceased trading and those that transferred on to Enterprise Ireland.

Valerie Kelly, Acting Head of Enterprise at LEO Galway said that these numbers are a testament to the resilience of the small business community.

“When faced with adversity, they have adapted, pivoted, upskilled and did whatever it took to sustain themselves.”

“The figures show that companies have seen the opportunities in the challenging trading conditions they have faced.”

“The Local Enterprise Offices across the country have gone above and beyond in their support of small businesses but there is renewed optimism.”

“We are seeing new opportunities for Irish businesses here and as always with tough economic periods we see new ideas and companies emerge and flourish.”

The total national figures for the Local Enterprise Offices across the country were announced with the LEOs now supporting 37,863 jobs across 7,221 companies.

In 2022 there were 7,870 new jobs created by LEO clients companies with a net jobs creation figure of 3,447. This was up 10% nationally on 2021. From the jobs created, 84% were outside of the Dublin region.

The LEOs also provide substantial funded supports to thousands of other small businesses across the country with programmes such as the Trading Online Voucher, Lean for Micro and Green for Micro along with training and mentoring.

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Simon Coveney said, “These results show the significant role the Local Enterprise Offices are playing in not only creating new businesses and jobs but also in sustaining them.”

“On the back of some of the most difficult years for small businesses we are still seeing growth across the country.”

“During the pandemic we saw how essential the LEOs were to small businesses and they will be essential as we navigate the ongoing cost of living and energy crises.”

Search for missing man ends after body found

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Memorial service Portiuncula Hospital

The search for missing Mayo man Seamus Cawley has come to an end after a body was found over the weekend.

The 68 year old man had been missing from his home in Crossmolina, Co. Mayo since the morning of Monday, January 16.

An Garda Síochána have stood down the search operation following the discovery of a man’s body in Mayo on Sunday.

Gardaí thanked the public for their assistance in this matter.

Young man killed in N63 traffic collision

By
Briain Kelly
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A man his 20s was killed in a crash on the N63 in east Galway on Sunday afternoon.

The single vehicle collision occurred on the N63 in the townland of Creeveroe, Newbridge, Ballinasloe at approximately 12:45pm today.

A man in his 20s, who was a passenger of the vehicle, was fatally injured during the collision and pronounced dead at the scene.

His body has been taken to Portiuncula University Hospital where a post-mortem will take place.

The driver of the car, also a man in his 20s, is receiving medical attention at Portiuncula University Hospital.

The road remains closed at this time and local diversions are in place.

Gardaí are appealing to any person who may have witnessed this collision to contact them.

Any road users who were travelling on the N63 (the main road between Roscommon and Galway) this afternoon between 12.20pm and 1.00pm and who may have camera (including dash cam) footage, is asked to make this available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with any information in relation to this incident is asked to contact Ballinasloe Garda Station on 090 963 1890, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.

Gardaí at the scene of crash on the N63

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news missing teen found safe

Gardaí and emergency services are currently at the scene of a traffic collision on the N63 in east Galway.

The single vehicle collision has occurred on the N63 Newbridge to Ballygar road.

The road is currently closed and local diversion are in place.

Gardaí have said that no further information is available this time.

Planning sought for 70 houses and apartments in Oranmore

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

Planning permission is being sought for a residential development of 70 houses and apartments in Oranmore.

A planning application by BRTW Oranmore 2 Ltd seeks approval for the construction of a housing estate at Oranhill, Oranmore.

The estate would comprise 40 houses and 30 apartments on a 1.94ha site next to the N67 on the western edge of Oranmore.

The site is bordered by the existing Cill Clocha housing estate to the north, and the N67 to the east. 

A new north-south distributor road connecting the lands to the N67 is currently under construction, and access to the estate will be off this road.

A three storey apartment block, with a landscaped central courtyard, will be located at the entrance to the estate next to the N67.

This will contain 10 one-bedroom units, 15 two-bed apartments, and 5 three-bedroom apartments.

The houses in the estate will be a mix of semi-detached and terraced two-storey homes, broken down into 3 two-bed houses, 27 three-bed homes, and 10 four-bed houses.

Most of the other public open space in the plans will be located in a central area leading to the southern edge of the site, also including a children’s play area. Each house also comes with its own front or rear garden.

The plans include a total of 121 car parking spaces, and 217 bicycle parking spaces. To comply with Part V planning requirements, it has been agreed that seven homes would be transferred to the county council.

Planning permission was previously granted for 161 homes at this location by An Bord Pleanála back in 2009. This planning was extended twice, in 2015 and again in 2020. But that application has been deemed withdrawn as of February 2022.

A decision on this fresh planning application is due from Galway County Council by March 16 of this year.

The rent war escalates in Ros na Rún drawing in more people

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily television The rent war escalates in Ros na Rún with more people drawn in

The rent war escalates and draws in more people, Mack panics when his drugs go missing, and Michelle throws caution to the wind in Ros na Rún.

David has had enough of Caitríona’s antics, and wants no part in her land crusade, and is ready to move out, while Realtín tries to convince him to stay.

For her part, Réaltín knows that Micheál has no intention of evicting Caitríona, and decides to take matters into her own hands by seeking legal advice.

And Micheál is delighted when he gets rent money in hand, but does this mean that Caitríona has thrown in the towel?

Away from this battleground, Mack panics when his drugs go missing, but who took them?

Michelle, having had a hard time of late, is ready to throw caution to the wind, and give it a go with Greg. But will wind up disappointed?

Che starts working in the shop, much to Crystal’s delight, but Vince’s dismay. Can he win over the aul grump?

Catch up on all the latest antics in Ros na Rún in a double feature omnibus on TG4 this Sunday.

Traffic lights at UHG out of action until next week

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway daily news Traffic lights at UHG out of action until next week

Traffic lights at University Hospital Galway will be out of action until next week, with traffic delays expected until they are replaced.

The city council has said that the broken lights are in need of replacement, rather than just repair.

The replacement lights are expected to be in place by next Tuesday, February 7.

In the meantime, motorists are advised to expect delays around this area, and to avoid the area altogether if possible.

Six dogs seized in major Garda search operation

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Six dogs seized in major Garda search operation

Six dogs were seized following a joint agency operation that saw multiple premises in the west searched on Friday.

Gardaí from the Sligo division took part in an operation together with Sligo County Council and the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) on Friday.

The operation in the Sligo and Ballymote districts targeted persons suspected of owning, using and breeding restricted breeds of dangerous dogs.

During the operation a total of 14 premises were searched, with multiple animal health and welfare notices issued by the ISPCA as a result.

Six dogs were seized during the course of the search operation, including one German Shepard Malamute, four American Staffordshire Terriers and one mixed-breed dog.

The dogs are currently in the care of the ISPCA and are receiving medical attention.

In addition, a number of detections were made in relation to the Control of Dogs Act and non-compliance of regulations under the Microchipping of Dogs Regulations, 2015.

Galway Plate winner can contend for Grand National

By
Thomas O'Brien
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0

It’s not normal for the Galway Plate winner to be talked up as one to watch for the Grand National, one of the most prestigious horse races in the world.

However, those who backed Hewick in July should certainly consider reinvesting some of their winnings in John ‘Shark’ Hanlon’s fairytale story.

Hewick was bred in Ireland and is a five-year-old bay gelding. He stands at 17 hands high and is well-built, with a strong hindquarters and a powerful gait.

He was sired by a well-known stallion and his dam was a successful racehorse, which gives him a strong pedigree.

Since his debut, Hewick has been impressing trainers and fans alike with his speed, agility, and tenacity. He has won several races, including the Welsh National and the Becher Chase.

He was bought by Hanlon in local sales for just €850, but has gone on to bring in nearly €500,000 for his owner since then, including the small matter of €159,300 for winning the Galway Plate.

For those not following the fortunes of Hewick since the Galway Plate, let’s bring you up to speed.

He looked well on course for another big win in September, when vying for the lead in the Kerry National, before unseating Jordan Gainford at the last.

This was a rare blip though, as jockey and horse reunited less than a month later to win the American Grand National in New Jersey by over 11 lengths.

The American Grand National, staged at the Far Hills race meeting each fall in New Jersey,  is run over a trip of 2 5/8m over 14 hurdles.

The race has a prize value of $500,000 and is one of the most important steeplechases in the US.

Could Hewick land on the big ones?

That’s the last we saw of Hewick, although Hanlon says that was always the plan, with the small matter of the Cheltenham Gold Cup next on the list, before his tilt at the Grand National.

Hewick is currently priced up at 20/1 for the Gold Cup, and don’t be surprised to see him featuring in Grand National predictions at 25/1 either.

The Grand National, which takes place annually at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, England, is one of the most prestigious horse races in the world.

It is a steeplechase race that involves jumping over large obstacles, such as fences and ditches, in order to reach the finish line. The race is approximately four miles long and is widely considered to be the ultimate test of a horse’s ability and endurance.

Health Care Assistants at UHG not being used to their full potential SIPTU claims

By
Briain Kelly
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0
Galway Daily news

Health Care Assistants are not being utilised to their full potential at the temporary emergency department at University Hospital Galway, SIPTU has said.

The union has criticised hospital management for failing to fully utilise HCAs in providing direct patient care during a time of intense pressure at the hospital.

SIPTU organiser Yvonne McGrath said that their HCA members are “ready, willing and able” to use their skills in providing direct care for patients.

“They feel frustrated that their expertise and skill set is not being recognised and utilised to maximum effect in order to assist with patient care within the emergency department and broader hospital.” 

SIPTU also claims that hospital management has not engaged with the union in confirming its willingness to attend a meeting organised by the WRC to settle issues on how hospital support staff will be used to support HCAs in their work.

“SIPTU representatives and hospital management had engaged under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission, on 20th July last year, concerning issues related to the role of HCAs,” Yvonne McGrath said.

“On that occasion it was agreed that HCAs should no longer be carrying out certain functions, that were inappropriate to their role, within the emergency department and that support services staff would be used to carry out these functions.” 

“Since then, there has been no agreement on how hospital support staff will be engaged to support HCAs in their work. 

The Saolta Hospital Group, which includes Galway University Hospitals, was contacted by Galway Daily, but said that they do not comment on staff related matters.

SIPTU member and HCA at Galway University Hospital, Martina Burke, said that they, and all staff, are under significant pressure in the emergency department.

“However, their problems pale in comparison to those of patients who in many incidences are waiting for hours for treatment.”

She said that they are willing to sit down with hospital management to try and resolve the issues that are affecting staff and patients.

Sub zero temperatures expected in Galway this weekend

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily weather Met Eireann issues fresh weather warning for Galway

The bank holiday weekend promises to be mostly dry and clear for people looking to celebrate, but also promises to be cold with temperatures below 0 expected in Galway.

The mercury will drop below 0 here on Saturday night, with the weather promising to be particularly cold inland.

Apart from that, the weather is expected to remain dry after some light rain earlier today, with wind also dying down to a light variable breeze.

Sunday also promises to be bright but chilly, with temperatures as low as -3 degrees in places in a frosty morning, with some patches of fog also expected.

Highest temperatures of 7 – 9 degrees on Sunday afternoon, with a mix of cloud and sunshine, with a light to moderate southeasterly breeze.

Sunday night, while not as cold as tonight, will also see temperatures of approaching 0 degrees in places, though warmer in coastal areas.

Bank Holiday Monday promises another improvement according to Met Eireann, with clear skies and sunshine after a somewhat hazy morning.

Aside from some light scattered showers in the early afternoon, the day also promises to be dry, with highest temperatures of 8 – 10 degrees.

Conditions will continue to improve next week according to Met Eireann’s longer term forecast, with sunny skies currently expected for much of the week.

Demonstration this weekend at “dangerous” roundabout where cyclist seriously injured

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Demonstration this weekend at "dangerous" roundabout where cyclist seriously injured

A protest will take place at Skerritt roundabout in Galway City this weekend to highlight the danger to pedestrians and cyclists following a serious crash.

Sundays4Safety will be holding a protest from 11am on Sunday morning at the location where a cyclist was seriously injured in a collision involving a truck last month.

The pop-up demonstration will also feature a ghost bike, decorated with hearts to show solidarity with the injured man.

Sundays4Safety have previously held demonstrations in Salthill for safer streets, and in favour of reducing the speed limit to 30km/h in the city centre.

Gráinne Faller, organiser of the protest, told Galway Daily that the conditions at Skerritt roundabout, and many others around the city, are incredibly dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians.

“I think the fact that this accident happened there really illustrated the fact that that roundabout, and many others like it around the city, are dangerous by design,” she said, for people walking or cycling.

The Skerritt roundabout in particular is beyond irksome, Gráinne added, as it is located right next to ATU, with a large number of students coming and going, and no safe way across multiple lanes of traffic.

“Just the idea that you could design infrastructure like that, and not consider the safety of people walking, and people on bikes, and people wheeling, or anyone outside of a car, speaks volumes about the decision making process in Galway City Council.”

This is a problem with many roundabouts in the city, she said, which have multiple lanes of traffic and are designed for having cars travel at speed.

There is a problem with “driver blindness”, Gráinne said, where drivers don’t perceive people on bicycles as a threat, so they don’t register them as much.

“Only one person comes off badly in that collision,” she said. Slower, safer streets would be better for everyone, Gráinne said, as “no driver that I can conceive of wants to be in a situation where they are the reason for someone getting killed or injured.

The purpose of this protest is to call out the problem, and make it clear that accidents like this aren’t acceptable. 

“We’re so used to this rubbish design in Galway, that the temptation is just to shrug and say ‘ah sure what can you do?’. But actually there is something we can do, we can call it out.”

“People walking, or people cycling, are going out for their walk or their commute, and they’re not coming home. To me that is horrifying, and the silence from our decision makers is telling.”

These are not just simple accidents, Gráinne added, but the result of designing roads for cars alone.

Taoiseach states he still backs Galway City Ring Road

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Taoiseach Varadkar meeting with local businesses in Ballinasloe visit

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said that he remains a supporter of the N6 Galway Ring Road project, which is now being reconsidered by An Bord Pleanála.

The Taoiseach said that he continues to support the construction of the bypass in response to a question by Galway East TD Ciaran Cannon on public transport options for the city.

“I remain a supporter of the bypass but, obviously, that is a matter for An Bord Pleanála to decide on,” Leo Varadkar said during the exchange

This after Deputy Cannon said that it was time to “consider urgently” the public transport options available to ease traffic congestion in Galway.

This was in light of the High Court making final orders quashing An Bord Pleanála’s decision to grant planning approval for the ring road.

He said that there are roughly 2,000 commuters who travel from Athenry and Oranmore to Galway City each day.

“In this Chamber, in September 2020, I asked the Minister for Transport, Deputy Eamon Ryan, about an ongoing feasibility study into the double-tracking of and the improvement of frequency on those services from Athenry to Oranmore.”

The results of the study were originally expected to be published in Q1 of 2021, Ciaran Cannon said, but that it since seems to have been tied up in larger national concerns.

“We are now in the first quarter of 2023 and I understand that the feasibility study has now been somehow attached to the all-island rail review, which cannot be reported on until such time as a Northern Ireland executive forms.”

Taoiseach Varadkar said that he and Minster Eamon Ryan are both in favour of double-tracking the rail service to Galway, and for developing a commuter rail service around Galway City.

“I do not see why it should be held up by the all-island rail review. That is not the case for Cork or Limerick, so I do not see why it should be for Galway.”

The Taoiseach concluded with his remarks above that he remains in favour of the construction N6 Galway City Ring Road.

Man seriously injured after being attacked by group at petrol station

By
Briain Kelly
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0
Galway Daily news

A man was left with serious injuries after being attacked by a group of people at a petrol station earlier this week.

Gardaí are looking to speak with some witnesses to the assault last Tuesday who were sighted in the Tuam to Ballinrobe area.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to a serious assault which occurred at a petrol station on the Neale Road in Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo on Tuesday, January 31.

At approximately 12:15pm, a man in his 20s was assaulted by a number of individuals on the grounds of the premises.

He was taken to hospital where he is currently receiving treatment for serious injuries.

A technical examination of the scene was carried out, and Gardaí have said that investigations are ongoing.

An Garda Síochána are appealing for any witnesses to this incident to come forward.

Gardaí are particularly looking to speak to the two male occupants of a dark coloured 05 Honda Accord which was sighted at the scene.

This vehicle was also sighted in and around the Tuam to Ballinrobe area, between 11:00am and 12:30pm on Tuesday, January 31.

Additionally any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling on the Tuam – Kilmaine – Ballinrobe Road between 10:00am and 06:00pm are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Claremorris Garda Station on 094 9372080, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

EU Commission confirms daily fines for Derrybrien wind farm ending

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Plans in the works for northwest Galway wind farm

Daily fines against the Irish State over the Derrybrien Wind Farm will cease with a final payment and the decision of An Bord Pleanála.

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has received a response from the EU Commission that it now considers Ireland to be in compliance with all court orders.

This follows on from a decision of An Bord Pleanála in February of 2022 to refuse substitute consent for the wind farm.

In making its decision to refuse this application, An Bord Pleanála said that it was “not satisfied that exceptional circumstances exist that would justify the grant of substitute consent”.

The specific reason for this was the “significant effects on the environment which occurred as a consequence of the 2003 peat slide”.

The 70 turbine wind farm in the northern Slieve Aughty Mountains suffered a severe landslide in 2003 while under construction.

This destroyed vast areas of forest and peat, and polluted waterways, killing large numbers of fish.

In 2019, the wind farm was found to be in breach of environmental regulations by the EU Court of Justice, leading to fines of €15,000 per day that Ireland was in breach of the court order.

The EU Commission has now said that, with An Bord Pleanála’s final decision, Ireland has taken all measures necessary to ensure compliance with the judgment.

A final installment of €1,245,000 covering fines from last November to this month is due to be paid.

The government has said that the details of the future decommissioning and restoration of the wind farm site are a matter for Galway County Council.

More raw chicken recalled over possible salmonella risk

By
Michael Malone
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galway daily news takeaway closed for raw chicken

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has extended a recall of a number of raw chicken products due to the possible presence of Salmonella.

The chicken is being recalled by processor Western Brand and were on sale in Aldi, Lidl, Dunnes, Tesco and Glenmore.

The recall is linked to an ongoing investigation by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine into incidences of Salmonella infection in a number of broiler flocks.

To date, there have been no confirmed cases of human illness linked to the investigation.

The FSAI is warning consumers who may have the affected chicken products at home not to eat them.

Dr Pamela Byrne, Chief Executive, FSAI, has warned consumers not to eat the affected chicken products.

“If anyone has any of the affected chicken product at home, we are advising them not to eat it.

“To date, there have been no confirmed cases of human illness linked to this investigation. Just as a reminder to consumers, raw chicken should always be handled hygienically to prevent cross contamination with ready-to-eat food and raw chicken should never be washed.

“Always wash your hands after handling it and always wash any utensils you’ve used to prepare it. Raw chicken should always be cooked thoroughly before eating it.”

Recalled products

Product Pack size Use by dates Batch Number
Aldi  
Butchers selection Irish extra large chicken breast fillets. 690g  

 

 

 

6th Feb 2023

 

  

 

 

 

23027-113
Butchers selection Irish chicken breast mini fillets. 525g
350g
Butchers selection Irish chicken breast fillets. 500g
Butchers selection Irish 2 pack chicken breast fillets. 291g
Glenmore (BWG)  
Glenmore chicken breast fillet 360g 7th Feb 2023 23027-113
Dunnes Stores  
Dunnes Stores Irish chicken breast mini fillets 450g  

 

 

 

6th Feb 2023

 

  

 

 

 

23027-113
350g
Dunnes Stores Irish chicken breast fillets 840g
Dunnes Stores Irish chicken breast fillets 630g
Dunnes Stores Irish chicken breast fillets 291g
Lidl  
Lidl Irish small chicken 1200g 7th Feb 2023 23027-113
Tesco  
Tesco Irish chicken breast mini fillets 450g 5th Feb 2023 23027-113

Service of Rememberance to be held at Portiuncula Hospital

By
Michael Malone
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Galway Daily news Portiuncula Hospital reports high flu circulation

Portiuncula University Hospital will hold a Service of Remembrance on Monday 13 February in the hospital chapel at 7.30pm.

The hospital is inviting parents and their families who have experienced bereavement through the death of a child or who have lost a baby through miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, still birth or after birth.

Families are welcome to join other families for light refreshments afterwards.

Deirdre Naughton, Director of Midwifery at the hospital, said: “This service offers parents who have experienced bereavement an opportunity to reflect on their grief journey through symbol, music and prayer.

“Parents who have attended this service in the past have shared with us that they have found it to be a time of healing and comfort.”

RnaG documentary explores cocaine problem in Conamara and Galway

By
Michael Malone
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galway daily news cocaine problem in connemara and galway rnag

In a documentary to be broadcast on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta next week, journalist Cóilín Ó Neachtain investigates the problem of cocaine use in Connemara and Co. Galway.

In the programme, Snaoisín Bán, on Wednesday 8 February at 2.05pm, Gardaí speak about their experience of the growing problem.

According to Garda figures, there was an increase of more than 50% in the number of people caught in possession of cocaine in Connemara in 2022 compared to the previous year.

Addiction counsellor Joe Treacy and GP Michael Casey speak about their experience of this issue and the serious health implications, and giving damning assessment of the services available for addicts in Co. Galway.

Listeners will also hear the personal experience of one young man, who describes how his cocaine habit escalated from one line to a €500 a day habit and cost him his job, his relationship, and his health, before he finally got help.

We’ll also learn about the services available in the Bushypark Addiction Treatment Centre in Ennis, Co. Clare.

Snaoisín Bán airs at 2.05 pm on Wednesday 8 February on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta.  

Lack of infrastructure holding back Galway City housing developments

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Lack of infrastructure holding back Galway City housing developments

A lack of infrastructure is holding back the construction of housing in Galway City, criticism leveled at the city council claims.

Sinn Féin representative Mark Lohan said that a lack of forward planning by the city council has seen developments refused planning due to a lack of public transport, pedestrian and cycling links, and substandard roads.

Lohan was speaking after An Bord Pleanála rejected two significant housing developments on the outskirts of the city last month, as there wasn’t sufficient infrastructure in place to support them.

In one project, the city council sought approval for 71 social housing units at Keeraun on the Ballymoneen Road.

“The planning application was refused because the location is without city services and access to town. there no public bus services and no footpaths,” Mark Lohan said.

“It would make life difficult and dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists and make car use an essential for even short trips.”

Also refused planning last month was an application by O’Malley Construction for 55 houses and apartments to the east of the Ballymoneen Road.

This had been approved by the city council last year, but that decision was appealed by Galway Cycling Campaign.

In rejecting this application, the Bord also cited a lack of pedestrian and cycling links, social facilities, and said that the local road was deficient in terms of its width and alignment.

Another social housing development planned for the Headford Road, comprising 21 apartments along with Traveller Accommodation, was also turned down for a similar reasons.

“There is a serious lack of forward planning in City Council whereby housing developments are proposed without the proper infrastructure, widened roads, bus services etc., being in place first,” Mark Lohan said.

“Galway City is a long way off building enough Social Housing. These badly thought-out housing developments must not happen again. We can and we should do better.”

He said that rather than blame An Bord Pleanála, this should be a wake up call for the city council when proposing housing developments.

However, he was also critical of the length of time it took for An Bord Pleanála to make decisions.

The planning application for the 71 social housing units at Keeraun was lodged in September of 2021, but a decision was only issued last month.

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