Three Connacht players named for Six Nations opening game

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February 3, 2023

Galway Daily news Rural homeowners and farmers living in fear of burglaries

People living in rural areas are living in fear for their safety due to the risk of robberies and burglaries a Galway TD has said.

Galway East TD Seán Canney said farmers and homeowners are fearful for the safety of their families, as well as for their livestock and property.

Deputy Canney said that he has been contacted by homeowners who have been upset at the ease with with robberies and burglaries occur, and the lack of success in catching the perpetrators.

“Another common occurrence is the fact that there is a worrying increase in people trespassing, and general intimidation on farmers’ own land,” he said.

It can be very traumatic to encounter trespassers on your land, Seán Canney said, whether they are hunters with dogs, or people there for some other, unknown reason.

“Particularly if abusive language, intimidation, or physical aggression is meted out by these unwelcome parties.”

“Trespassing is a serious offence and providing the resources necessary to allow people feel safe in and on their own property needs to be a priority.”

The loss of livestock is also a serious concern, due to the vulnerability of cattle and sheep while they are out grazing.

During one incident in recent months, seven heifers were stolen from a plot of rented farmland near Ballinasloe last August.

In another high value theft near Corrandulla, some 30 high quality ducks, turkeys, and hens worth up to €10,000 were stolen last December.

A concerted effort is needed to track where stolen farm animals are ending up, Sean Canney said, and put a stop to it.

Road users urged to stay safe this Bank Holiday weekend

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February 3, 2023

Galway Daily news National Slow Down Day traffic operation after road deaths

Gardaí and the Road Safety Authority are appealing for people to stay safe on the road this Bank Holiday weekend, as road deaths have spiked so far this year.

This weekend is a new bank holiday weekend introduced by the Government in recognition of the public’s response and solidarity with each other during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Bank Holidays see many people out celebrating over the weekend, as well as increased traffic on the road, which can be a deadly combination.

Last year saw 156 people killed on the road in Ireland, the highest number since 2016.

In January of this year alone there have been 18 people killed in traffic collision, the highest number for this month in a decade.

Here in Galway, a man in his 60s was killed in a three vehicle collision in Ballinasloe a week and a half ago on January 23.

An Garda Síochána and the RSA are appealing to all road users to continue to demonstrate that public solidarity and ‘Stay Safe’ this weekend.

Assistant Garda Commissioner Paula Hilman said, “Bank Holiday Weekends are a very busy time on the roads and our experience is that the risk of fatal and serious injury collisions increases during these periods.”

“Similarly to other bank holidays this weekend we will be focusing on the four lifesaver offences; driving under the influence, speeding, non-wearing of seatbelts and mobile phone use.”

“An Garda Síochána will engage with the public and work with our partners to keep people safe on our roads, this bank holiday weekend.”

People driving on rural roads are particularly being urged to drive cautiously, as this is where most fatal crashes take place.

Drivers are urged to drive with dipped headlights during the day, especially if they do not have Daytime Running Lights.

Pedestrians are advised to wear high visibility at night on roads without public lighting and footpaths.

Cyclists should wear safety helmets and ensure they have a white light to the front and red light to the back so they are visible to pedestrians and drivers.

Green light for University of Galway water sports centre

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February 3, 2023

Galway Daily news Green light for University of Galway water sports centre

Plans for a new water sports facility at University of Galway are going swimmingly, with planning approval granted by the city council.

The university intends to build a watersports facility on the north campus, near to the Quincentenary Bridge, to provide modern facilities for existing kayaking, rowing, and swimming clubs.

This will consist of two separate buildings. The two storey clubhouse will contain storage and repair facilities on the ground floor, along with a café, changing rooms, and a first aid station.

The first floor of the clubhouse will contain a training room, gym, test room, function room with kitchen, and offices.

A single storey boathouse will also be built on the northern end of the site, along with two floating pontoons on the bank of the Corrib for boats to come and go from.

Planning permission was granted by the city council with 17 conditions attached to it. The council stipulated that no alterations shall be made to the riverbank, or works done in the water, save for what was submitted in the application.

Environmental mitigation methods in line with what was outlined in the various reports submitted with the application must also be implemented in full, and the works must also be supervised by an archaeologist.

Public access to the river must also not be impeded in any way by the new water sports centre.

The university must also pay a contribution of €128,200 to the city council towards the provision of public services in the area facilitating the development.

“The proposed Water Sports Centre will cater for the needs of the University Watersports Clubs of Rowing, Kayak, and Sub Aqua,” a cover report with the application states.

“The new centre is designed to provide state of the art training facilities for watersports that NUI Galway has excelled at both national and international level.”

“This Centre will build on these performances, such as the most recent success of an Olympic medal at the Tokyo games.”

This move will see the university’s watersports teams move from their current location beside the weir, to a “more secure” and safer spot for river users.

Council must install fully accessible public toilet in Ballinasloe says local cllr

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February 2, 2023

galway daily news public toilets cllr owen hanley

Galway County Councillor Evelyn Parsons has called on the Council to pilot a fully accessible toilet facility in Ballinasloe with access to suitable equipment like hoists and changing benches.

The Independent councillor proposed a motion for the facility which was seconded by Cllr Tim Broderick and agreed by the January plenary council.

Cllr Parsons has consistently raised the issue of public toilets in Ballinasloe since becoming a councillor.

She said that it is the harsh reality for thousands of children and adults with disabilities that they do not have access to toilet facilities with suitable equipment to meet their needs.

“They often endure the indignity of being changed on the floor of a public toilet or else avoid getting out and about, becoming isolated from their communities at home,” she said.

“There are approximately 640,000 people currently living with disabilities in Ireland, and we have an increasing elderly population and still there are only 20 or so Changing Places toilet facilities which promote inclusivity for persons with high dependency needs in the country.

“Persons living with disabilities are valuable members of our community too and it is not acceptable in this day and age that our current public toilet infrastructure does not recognise this.”

The councillor said that GCC needed to step up its implementation of the United Nations Convention of Rights of Persons Living with Disabilities.

The aim of the Convention is to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity.

Ten University of Galway students receive scholarships from Johnson & Johnson

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February 2, 2023

galway daily news johnson & johnson scholarship stem university of galway — University of Galway students with bespoke framed glass artworks to mark their receipt of a scholarship from Johnson & Johnson. Pictured are students Gemma O'Brien Hehir, Laura Burke, Niamh Corcoran, Sophie Spellissy, Rebecca Norris, Laura Quinn, Emer Nic Roibín, Sarah Daves, Syakira Amani Khairul Nazri and NMairead Rowland with Prof. Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, President, University of Galway, Anna Rafferty, Director of Strategy at Campus Ireland, Johnson & Johnson and Michael Gilvarry, General Manager, CERENOVUS. Photo Martina Regan

Ten students at University of Galway have been chosen as recipients of the prestigious Women in STEM2D (WiSTEM2D) Undergraduate Award from Johnson & Johnson.

The award recognises outstanding female students in STEM2D disciplines: Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths, Manufacturing and Design.

Each of the ten recipients will receive a student award, mentoring and leadership training, an opportunity to attend careers workshops, visit Johnson & Johnson sites and participate in WiSTEM2D events.

The University of Galway students selected to receive the scholarships are:

Emer Nic Roibín; Bachelor of Science; Belfast
Gemma O’Brien Hehir; Biomedical Engineering; Galway
Laura Burke; Biomedical Engineering, Moycullen; Galway
Laura Quinn; Bachelor of Arts (Mathematical Studies and Information Technology); Renmore, Galway
Mairéad Rowland; Biomedical Science; Rossport, Ballina, Co. Mayo
Niamh Corcoran; Biomedical Engineering; Leacarrow, Co. Roscommon
Rebeccca Norris; Bachelor of Science; Athlone, Co. Westmeath
Sarah Daves; Marine Science; Austin, Texas; USA
Sophie Spellissy; Computer Science and Information Technology; Ennis, Co. Clare
Syakira Amani Khairul Nazri; Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology); Waterford City

The undergraduate programme was first introduced at University of Limerick in 2016 and has since supported over 400 women.

The programme expanded to include UCC in 2018, University of Galway in 2021, and Munster Technological University in 2022.

Michael Gilvarry, General Manager at Cerenovus, congratulated those who were chosen as recipients of this year’s award.

“I am sure that they will enjoy the benefits that the programme has them to offer in supporting career development, including visits to our facilities, and the opportunity to engage with a mentor,” he said.

“Johnson & Johnson recognises the importance of supporting women early in their careers, to aid the development of female STEM leaders for the future. We believe in the power of diversity and inclusion to drive innovation and progress.”

Local business leaders raise over €200,600 for COPE Galway

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February 2, 2023

some of the 39 business leaders who took part in the 11th annual COPE Galway Business Leaders Sleep Out in December

COPE Galway has announced that the 2022 Business Leaders’ Sleep Out has so far raised over €200,600 for their Homeless Service, with further donations still expected over the coming weeks.

Thirty-nine local business leaders took on the challenge to sleep out over 12 hours on Shop Street on a cold night in early December to raise vital funds for the charity.

Sharon Fitzpatrick, COPE Galway’s Head of Development, said they are “so grateful to the business community and their supporters for raising these vital funds for our Homeless Service at a time when more and more people are becoming homeless, and the need for our service is growing rapidly.”

The funds raised will allow COPE Galway to continue to develop and expand innovative services to support children, women and men while they remain in temporary or transitionary accommodation for extended periods of time over the year ahead.

Pictured above are some of the 39 business leaders who took part in the 11th annual COPE Galway Business Leaders Sleep Out on December 2, raising vital funds for COPE Galway’s Homeless Service.

(Front Row) Marisa and Damian McGreal, MARIDAM CCE; Ger Broderick, Bank of Ireland; Martin Noone, Medtronic; Ciara Daly, Conquer Digital; Joey Bell, Kenny Galway; Michelle Ruane, Queen of Clean; Sharon Fitzpatrick, COPE Galway; Nick O’Keefe, Premier Property Group.

(Back row) Leonie Woutersen, COPE Galway; Tom Dempsey, TD Flooring; David Ruane, Intuity Technologies; Gus McCarthy, MKO; Martin O’Connor, COPE Galway; James Livesey, University of Galway; David Noone, Dockket.

To view the impact of the Business Leaders Sleepout, and to see a video from the night, visit copegalwaysleepout.ie/impact

Emirates to return to Galway looking for new recruits

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February 2, 2023

galway daily news emirates airline galway recruitment

Dubai-based airline Emirates will return to Galway next week looking for candidates to join its multicultural cabin crew team.

The airline is holding a recruitment open day on Thursday, 9 February at 9am at The Hardiman, Eyre Square.

Emirates crew members are based in Dubai and receive benefits such as a tax-free salary, free housing, free transportation to and from work, excellent medical cover, and special discounts on Dubai’s shopping and leisure activities.

They are looking for applicants who are passionate about providing exceptional hospitality, while creating an unforgettable experience for passengers.

Successful applicants will receive world-class training at the airline’s state-of-the-art facility in Dubai.

Applicants are advised to attend their chosen open day with an up-to-date CV in English and a recent photo.

To ensure a smoother application process, Emirates is advising candidates to pre-register on its careers page. Walk-ins and those who have not applied online are welcome to attend.

Applicants can find more details regarding the criteria for the selection process on emirates.com/careers

Candidates should plan to stay at the location for the entire day. On the same day, shortlisted candidates will be advised of the times for subsequent assessments and interviews.

With 160 nationalities representing the airline’s cabin crew team, its workforce reflects the diversity of its passengers and conducts worldwide operations in more than 130 destinations across six continents using a contemporary fleet of more than 200 wide-body aircraft.

The airline is the largest global operator of the Boeing 777 and the Airbus A380.

The expanding worldwide network of Emirates provides numerous travel options throughout the six continents served by the airline.

Emirates cabin crew and their families also benefit from discounted travel perks.

Emirates has been flying to Ireland for 11 years and currently offers a double daily service from Dublin to Dubai.

University of Galway students urged to follow in footsteps of Michael D.

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February 2, 2023

galway daily news students union president calls for students to contest elections — Michael D. Higgins, Uachtarán na hÉireann and University of Galway Students' Union President from 1964 to '65.

Students at University of Galway are being encouraged to follow in the footsteps of Michael D. Higgins by running for election to next year’s Students’ Union Executive Committee.

There are 19 officer positions up for grabs this year with four of them being full-time paid jobs. Nominations open on Wednesday, 15 February.

The positions reflect the key areas in which the Union is mandated to represent its 19,000 student members.

These range from International Students Officer to Environmental and Sustainability Officer.

Those elected to the positions of President, Vice President/Education Officer, Vice President/Welfare, and Equality Officer and Vice President for the Irish Language will take a year out of their studies to work full-time in these prestigious roles.

Students’ Union President Sai Gujulla said the SU is encouraging all students to consider running for election this year.

“It’s a very exciting time for the student movement and students who run for election will be able to play their part in making University of Galway a better place for us all,” he said.

“We’ve an election information evening at 6pm this Tuesday 7th of February where students can find out more about running for election.”

Students’ Union Vice President/Education Officer Joe Mee added: “The Students’ Union plays a key role in defending, promoting and vindicating the rights of our 19,000 student members.

“Running for SU Elections is a great opportunity to have a direct impact on the student experience whilst developing your skills in leadership, organisation, communication, negotiation and advocacy.

“You’ll be a leader in a unique organisation which can lead to great opportunities as President Michael D Higgins has shown!”

Boost for tourism as Aer Lingus announces flights from London to Knock

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February 2, 2023

galway daily aer lingus plane as recruitment drive nears deadline

Aer Lingus has announced a new daily flight from London Heathrow to Knock Airport beginning on 26 March.

Tourism Ireland welcomed the news, saying that it and will help boost tourism in the West of Ireland from Britain.

Niall Gibbons, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland, said that as an island destination, we know there’s a proven direct correlation between access and growth in visitor numbers.

He said that this new flight will therefore certainly help boost visitor numbers from Britain.

“Tourism Ireland is committed to working with Aer Lingus, Ireland West Airport Knock and our other key partners, to drive demand for this new flight, and all other services to Ireland, and help maintain our vital network of routes and services.”

Mr Gibbons said that Britain remains a very important market for tourism to the island of Ireland, delivering around 42% of all our overseas visitors.

In 2019, Ireland welcomed almost 4.8 million British visitors, whose visits generated approximately €1.45 billion for the economy.

Two men killed in Mayo crash overnight

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February 2, 2023

Two men have lost their lives following a two-vehicle collision just before midnight last night.

The men (20s) were killed after a collision between their car and a truck on the Balla to Claremorris road (N60) at Facefield, Co. Mayo.

Their bodies were removed to mortuary at Mayo University Hospital. Post-mortems will take place in due course.

The driver of the truck (30s) was also taken to Mayo University Hospital as a precaution.

The road was closed this morning with local diversions in place. Garda Forensic Collision investigators will conduct their examination of the scene this morning.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to come forward and any road users with video footage (including dash cam) is asked to make this available to them.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Castlebar Garda Station 094 903 8200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.

Pieta Launches its Signs of Suicide Campaign for 2023

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February 1, 2023

19/1/2023 — Pieta Signs of Suicide campaign ambassador Aaron J Harte Photo Credit: ©INPHO/James Crombie

With the new year, mental health charity Pieta has relaunched its ‘SIGNS of Suicide’ campaign to raise awareness of mental issues.

As part of this year’s campaign, Pieta has partnered with Galway born singer- songwriter, Aaron J Hart and wellness influencer Nathalie Lennon to spread awareness.

The organisation’s Helpline team received 99,042 calls and texts last year and delivered over 51,000 therapy hours, highlighting the growing demand for assistance.

Currently, 35% of Pieta’s clients are under the age of 18, while in Ireland, the overall suicide rate for males is three times higher than that of females according to CSO data.

This indicates that men as less likely to reach out and ask for help when they are experiencing a crisis.

The suicide prevention charity is asking people to be on the lookout for signs in their loved ones such as: Sleep Disturbance, Isolation, Giving Away Possessions, No Interest in Anything, Speaking of No Future.

Aaron J Harte, ‘SIGNS of Suicide’ ambassador, said that he was proud to take part in Pieta’s campaign again this year.

“As anyone who follows me will know, I have endured my own mental health struggles. I know how hard it is for young men in particular to speak to family and friends about how they’re feeling but I also know firsthand what a difference it can make.”

“For me, opening up marked the beginning of my road to recovery. It is so important to talk openly and honestly about our feelings and to let those who care about us know when we need a helping hand.”

“Likewise, I encourage everyone to familiarise themselves with Pieta’s ‘SIGNS of Suicide’. That way, we can look out for family and friends who may be struggling and be there for them. Know the signs, save lives.”

Aaron J Harte and Nathalie Lennon
Photo Credit ©INPHO/James Crombie

Stephanie Manahan, Pieta CEO, added, “While mental health struggles aren’t confined to any one period of the year, we do know that January can be especially difficult for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal ideation.”

“That is why Pieta is keen to spread the word about the SIGNS of Suicide and to reiterate the message that it’s okay to not be okay.”

Pieta is encouraging people to ‘swap the small talk for the big talk’ and open up to a family member, friend, or trusted confidante.

Talking to loved ones about emotions is a difficult, but important, first step and can help alleviate distress before things spiral or escalate.

It is essential that anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts seeks help from a trained professional.

To avail of Pieta services, which are free of charge, please visit www.pieta.ie for all centre contact details and the National Therapy Services phoneline 0818 111 126.

Pieta provides 24/7 support – if you are suicidal, self-harming or bereaved you can contact Pieta 24/7 via the Freephone crisis helpline on 1800 247 247, you can also text HELP to 51444

Plans approved to continue reclamation of land at Ros a Mhíl Harbour

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February 1, 2023

Galway Daily news Extension of planning sought to complete Deep Water Quay at Ros a Mhíl

Galway County Council has approved plans for the continued expansion of the Fishery Harbour Centre at Ros a Mhíl by reclaiming waterlogged ground.

The Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine has been granted planning permission for the reclamation of 1.33ha of land to the southwest of the existing commercial harbour.

Soil and Sand will be dredged from the area of the proposed small craft harbour, killing two birds with one stone, before being brought to the waterlogged site.

Located to the south of the existing car park, the soil will be deposited and leveled. Once the site has been filled in, a geotextile surface will be placed on top, before that it covered with stone gravel.

Planning permission had previously been granted for this project in 2015, and further approval was sought sought to continue and finish it.

Planning permission was granted for the works subject to five conditions, with specific details of the proposed geotextile layer to be agreed on with the council.

Four Connacht Academy players named for U20 Six Nations squad

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February 1, 2023

Galway Daily rugby The Sportsground to be renamed Dexcom Stadium in partnership deal — Photo: INPHO/Connacht Rugby

Four Connacht Academy players, three of them from Galway clubs, have been chosen for the Irish U20 Six Nations squad to face Wales on Friday.

In the starting XV, John Devine (Corinthians/Connacht) is in at the Inside-Centre while Hugh Gavin (Galwegians/Connacht) takes the Left Wing.

Also among the replacements for this game are Fiachna Barrett (Corinthians/Connacht) and Harry West (Buccaneers/Connacht).

Ireland’s opening game of the U20 Six Nations will take place in Colwyn Bay on Friday night, with kick-off at 7pm.

Commenting ahead of the game, Head Coach Richie Murphy said, “We are excited to get the Six Nations underway in Wales on Friday night, following a good period of preparation for the group.”

“The squad have come together well over the last couple of weeks, gelling both on and off the pitch, and we have now turned the focus this week to performance.”

The match is live on Virgin Media Two/BBC iPlayer.

Ireland U20s:

15. James Nicholson (UCD/Leinster)
14. Ike Anagu (La Rochelle/IQ Rugby)
13. Hugh Cooney (Clontarf/Leinster)
12. John Devine (Corinthians/Connacht)
11. Hugh Gavin (Galwegians/Connacht)
10. Sam Prendergast (Lansdowne/Leinster)
9. Fintan Gunne (Terenure/Leinster)

1. George Hadden (Clontarf/Leinster)
2. Gus McCarthy (UCD/Leinster)(captain)
3. Paddy McCarthy (DUFC/Leinster)
4. Diarmuid Mangan (UCD/Leinster)
5. Conor O’Tighearnaigh (UCD/Leinster)
6. James McNabney (Ballymena/Ulster)
7. Ruadhán Quinn (Old Crescent/Munster)
8. Brian Gleeson (Garryowen/Munster)

Replacements:

16. Danny Sheahan (UCC/Munster)
17. George Morris (Lansdowne/Leinster)
18. Fiachna Barrett (Corinthians/Connacht)
19. Evan O’Connell (UL Bohemians/Munster)
20. Jacob Sheahan (UCC/Munster)
21. Oscar Cawley (Naas/Leinster)
22. Harry West (Buccaneers/Connacht)
23. Henry McErlean (Terenure/Leinster).

Galway allocated €15 million for walking and cycling infrastructure

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February 1, 2023

Galway Daily news Oranmore active travel

Over €15 million has been allocated for walking and cycling infrastructure projects in Galway City and County this year.

Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan today confirmed that the National Transport Authority (NTA) has allocated a total of €290 million to local authorities to spend this year.

Galway City Council has been awarded a total of €12,138,700 in funding for 31 walking and cycling projects.

The single largest grant among these is €3,000,000 for the Salmon Weir Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge.

Other large allocations including €1,875 million for the Martin Junction conversion, €1 million for the Dublin Road Transport Corridor, and €750,000 for the Parkmore Road Bus Priority Scheme.

The County Council has been allocated €3,000,000 in funding for 22 travel projects this year, including €514,000 for the Rural Towns & Villages Active Travel Schemes East and €348,000 for the Rural Active Travel Schemes West.

Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan said, “People very often think that Greenways, cycle-ways or walkways are primarily tourism amenities.”

“Of course, they serve that purpose really well, but first and foremost they are about local people and improving local life, connecting suburbs, local villages or townlands that have often become disconnected from one another because of busy and dangerous roads.”

The Minister said that all of the money allocated for such projects last year was drawn down by local authorities, and that he is confident the same will happen this year.

“This will mean that communities across the country will be better connected with safe and people friendly corridors to visit friends, go to the shops, or cycle or walk to school, sports training or other activities.”

Nationwide this investment will fund approximately 1,200 Active Travel projects, contributing to the development of almost 1,000km of new and improved walking and cycling infrastructure across the country by 2025.

This includes the development of segregated cycle lanes and widened footpaths, new walking and cycling bridges, and new pedestrian crossings.

The full list of projects in Galway supported by this funding is:

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Old Clarin College being demolished due to anti-social behaviour

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February 1, 2023

Galway Daily news Old Clarin College being demolished due to anti-social behaviour

The GRETB has been given the green light for the demolition of the old Clarin College building in Athenry.

The county council has granted planning permission for the demolition of the two storey school building on the Caheroyn Road.

A planning report submitted with the application states that since the site has been vacated, there have been problems with anti-social behaviour.

“Clarin College has relocated to another site in Athenry – Planning Ref no. 17-1875 – and this site is now vacant.”

“There have been a number of issues with anti-social behaviour on the site as a result, and even in one instance a small fire was lit within the existing building.”

“It is the view of the applicant – Galway Roscommon Education & Training Board (GRETB) – that the buildings are now posing an unnecessary risk and nuisance for the health & safety of its neighbours, and that the buildings require demolition to eliminate that risk.”

A Demolition & Waste Strategy Report was submitted after the council requested further information last November about traffic management, waste clay and rubble, along with noise and vibrations from the demolition works.

The GRETB also submitted a letter stating that they had consulted with all adjoining property owners, who were supportive of the proposed works.

“All residents supported the development and the demolition of the existing structures, and highlighted their concern in relation to the unsociable behaviour currently being experienced in this site.”

Planning permission for the school demolition was granted by the county council with twelve conditions attached.

Clarin College moved to a €20 million new school building in 2020, after construction on the project began two years earlier.

City and County Councils remain committed to N6 Galway City Ring Road

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February 1, 2023

Galway Daily news City and County Galway allocated over €45 million for major roads and greenways projects

Galway City and County Councils have said that they remain committed to the deliver of the N6 Galway City Ring Road.

The High Court made final orders this week quashing An Bord Pleanála’s approval of the Ring Road, which was first granted in December of 2021.

The planning application for the bypass is now being resubmitted to the Bord for reconsideration.

In a joint statement from the two Galway councils, they said that they anticipate requests for further information from An Bord Pleanála, which they will respond to as “thoroughly and quickly” as possible.

“Galway County Council, Galway City Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland remain committed to the delivery of the N6 Galway City Ring Road,” the statement said.”

“In December 2021, An Bord Pleanála made an order approving the N6 Galway City Ring Road. This decision was welcomed by Galway County Council, Galway City Council, and TII.”

“Galway City and its environs have critical transport issues that require urgent resolution, and the N6 GCRR is a vital component of the Galway Transport Strategy (GTS).”

The root of the issue that led the High Court to quashing An Bord Pleanála’s approval is the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021.

This came into effect shortly before the Bord made its decision, but was not taken into consideration while doing so.

A new Climate Action Plan 2023 (CAP23) has since been published, with the Annex of Actions due for publication in the coming weeks.

Galway City and County Councils are reviewing this plan together with TII, to ensure that the N6 Ring Road scheme will be compliant with it.

“Galway County Council and Galway City Council welcome the opportunity to engage with An Bord Pleanála further on this project and remain committed to the delivery of the Galway Transport Strategy, and the N6 GCRR.”

Connacht Hospitality Group raises over €90,000 for chosen charities

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February 1, 2023

Galway Daily life & style Connacht Hospitality Group raised over €90,000 for good causes in 2022

The Connacht Hospitality Group celebrated raising €90,000 for four amazing charities over the course of 2022 this week.

The group, which owns well-known Galway establishments including The Connacht Hotel, An Púcán, HYDE Hotel, Residence Hotel & 1520 Bar, and the Galway Bay Golf Resort, held a range of events at various stages of 2022 to fundraise for charities.

Across 2022, the Connacht Hospitality Group helped raise funds for four incredible charities, three of them local: Claddagh Watch Patrol, National Breast Cancer Research Institute (NBCRI), Galway Hospice, and Make-A-Wish Ireland.

The Connacht Hospitality Group arranged a diverse array of events to raise funds, and they had lots of imaginative ways of grabbing the public’s attention.

One event saw people attend HYDE Bar to savour a menu made by a mystery celebrity. In the end, it was revealed that TV personality Gráinne Seoige was the Executive Chef on a night that generated over €8,000 for the NBCRI.

Based out of the Lambe Institute at University of Galway, the NBCRI is a national charity that funds research into diagnosis and treatment of this disease.

Another saw CHG staff dare the early morning waters of the Atlantic in a ‘Sunrise Swim’ at Salthill, which saw donations pour in for the Claddagh Watch Patrol.

This volunteer organisation patrols the waterways of Galway City nightly to help prevent deaths by accident or suicide.

Easily one of the most successful events of the year was the Galway Bay Golf Resort’s Golf Classic which raised over €22,000 for Galway Hospice.

“Ultimately, it’s about making a difference to our community and to the charities that we support,” Brian Lynch, Group Head of Finance at the Connacht Hospitality Group, said about the reason behind the push to raise money.

Brian added that he was delighted to see the group create such an ambitious target 12 months prior.

For his own part, he remembers the ‘Sunrise Swim’ fondly, saying that they were lucky that it was such a nice morning, and that the water wasn’t too cold.

“The golf classic was a great event, too, because I think it was the greatest single event we’d ever done.”

“It wasn’t open to the public – we invited our commercial partners and stakeholders in the business to put teams in and we had enough teams to hit our target,” he said.

The €90,000 raised by the Connacht Hospitality Group last year vastly exceeded previous years’ targets of some €15,000 for charity.

For this year, the Galway City based Croí Heart & Stroke charity has been chosen as one of the group’s charity partners.

Brian Lynch added that for 2023 the CHG is looking to increase its fundraising target yet again, and hosting more events.

“We’re looking to partner with a small number of charities that are local and that we believe will engage with us.”

Worst January on record for overcrowding at Portiuncula

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February 1, 2023

Galway Daily news Portiuncula Hospital reports high flu circulation

University Hospital Galway was the third most overcrowded in the country last month, with 728 patients on trolleys in January.

The month figures from the INMO show that since trolley numbers began being counted in 2006, there have only been two years that saw a worse start to the year at UHG.

Portiuncula Hospital also experienced a disastrous month for patients on trolleys, with 417 patients going without a bed.

Though this is less than at UHG, it is by far the worst January on record for Portiuncula, and almost twice as many as the next highest figure for that month.

Nationwide there were 11,289 patients on trolleys in Irish hospitals last month, with the worst affected being UH Limerick (1,180), Cork UH (1,145), UHG (728), Letterkenny UH (650), St Vincent’s UH (594).

NMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha said that nurses and patients have been enduring unnecessary stress throughout January due to a lack of proper planning.

“The number of patients on trolleys in wards outside our emergency departments have been unacceptably high.”

“This practice should not be allowed to continue as a measure to try take pressure off our emergency departments.”

A recent opinion poll in the Irish Independent found that almost three quarters of people would only go to an emergency department if their life depended on it.

Phil Ní Sheaghdha said that a strategy of telling people not to attend hospital will have long lasting knock-on effects.

“We cannot continue to accept the wait until things get unbearably bad approach before an attempt is made to lessen the pressure on our public hospital system.”

“Nurses and their patients deserve better than this,” Phil Ní Sheaghdha said.

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January 31, 2023