Galway Mountain Rescue save walker with hypothermia from Maumtrasna mountain

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January 31, 2023

Galway daily news Planning refused for huge housing development on Galway City outskirts

There were 1,182 residential buildings under construction in Galway as of the end of 2022.

That’s according to the latest GeoDirectory Residential Buildings Report, which states that there were 1,150 new residential address points in Galway added to their database last year.

The building activity in Galway last year represents a 35% increase on the same period in 2021.

Dara Keogh, CEO of GeoDirectory said, “The data shows that construction activity and supply of housing stock increased significantly in 2022, but it is still lagging well behind the current rate of demand.”

“The number of residential buildings under construction and additions to the housing stock over the past twelve months would indicate that the sector has moved past the disruption brought about by Covid-19.”

The report, prepared in association with EY, also found that Galway had a residential vacancy rate of 6.1% as of last December, above the national average of 4%.

Dereliction is also above average in Galway, with 8.7% of the country’s 21,481 derelict buildings found here.

That’s the third highest proportion in the country behind Mayo (13.5%), and Donegal (11.9%).

Annette Hughes, Director of EY Economic Advisory Services said, “At a national level, the residential vacancy rate of 4.0% is the lowest recorded by GeoDirectory to date.”

“However, this figure highlights a national imbalance of low vacancy rates and high demand in Dublin and surrounding counties, contrasted by considerably higher vacancy rates in the west of the country.”

Of the 22,008 residential buildings under construction nationally in December 2022, almost one-in-five (18.4%) were located in Dublin.

Construction activity was also strong in Kildare, which accounted for 13.9% of the overall total. 62.0% of all residential buildings under construction were located in the Leinster region.

The national average vacancy rate dropped 0.4 percentage points to 4.0% in December 2022, the lowest figure recorded by GeoDirectory to date.

The highest residential vacancy rates were located in the west of the country, with Leitrim (12.2%), Mayo (11.2%) and Roscommon (10.7%) all recording residential vacancy rates of over 10%.

At 1.2%, Dublin recorded the lowest residential vacancy rate in the country in December 2022, with counties within the capital’s commuter belt all registering notably low vacancy rates, Kildare (1.3%), Louth (2.3%) and Meath (2.4%).

Plans approved for Galway City apartment complex

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January 31, 2023

Galway daily news Knocknacarra social housing

Planning permission has been granted for a mixed use residential and commercial development in the Shantalla area of Galway City.

The city council has given the green light for the demolition of the former T O’Higgins & Co store and covered storage yard on the Rahoon Road.

In its place, Sean Talamh Development Ltd intends to build a u-shaped apartment complex arranged around a central courtyard area.

Ultimately, planning permission for the project was granted with 23 conditions attached by the city council.

One condition of the planning permission is that the northern fourth level of the apartment block must be omitted from the plan.

Another condition of the city council stipulated that the apartments must not be used for short term lets.

Between revisions requested by the council to reduce the density and scale of the development, and the planning condition, there are 70 apartments in the plans approved by the city council.

The original plans were for 21 one-bedroom apartments, 59 two-bedroom apartments, and 6 three-bedroom units, and a ground floor commercial unit with outdoor seating.

The apartment complex will consist of three levels over basement parking, with 59 car parking spaces and over 200 bicycle spaces.

The vehicle access point to the site will be moved, and upgrades made to the existing pedestrian laneway.

Sunny skies ahead as weather to turn for the better

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January 31, 2023

Galway Daily weather highest ever april temperatures

A cloudy and blustery start to the week will give way to sunny skies before the weekend as the weather picks up in Galway.

Tuesday will be mostly cloudy, with some brief patches of sunshine in places, and a fresh westerly wind throughout the day.

Not too warm, temperatures on Tuesday will reach highs of 8 – 9 degrees, though that wind may put a chill in the air.

Wednesday will follow much the same, with Met Eireann forecasting mostly cloudy skies, with a few sunny spells and some light rain in the evening.

That fresh westly to southwesterly wind will also follow throughout the day, and temperatures will reach highs of 8 – 10 degrees.

Headed into the latter half of the week, things will take a turn for the better as a cloudy start to the morning on Thursday will give way to sunny skies in the afternoon.

Moderate to fresh southwesterly winds on Thursday, with highest temperatures of 10 – 12 degrees.

Friday will be better still, with mostly sunny skies throughout the day and some patchy cloud in places on the coast.

Temperatures on Friday will reach highs of 10 – 12 degrees, with gently to moderate southwesterly winds.

Headed into the Bank Holiday weekend Met Eireann has more good news, as mostly clear skies are forecast, with some showers of rain on Saturday.

The weekend will turn somewhat chillier however, with especially brisk conditions expected on Sunday.

Over €500k of cannabis seized in grow house raid

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January 30, 2023

Gardaí seized more than half a million worth of cannabis herb and plants during a raid on a grow house in Connacht on Monday afternoon.

At approximately 1pm on Monday, Gardaí searched a premises at Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon under warrant.

During the course of this search, a suspected cannabis grow-house was discovered by Gardaí.

Suspected cannabis plants with an estimated value of €288,000 were seized along with approximately €240,000 of processed cannabis.

All of the drugs seized are valued at approximately €528,000, pending analysis from Forensic Science Ireland.

A woman in her 50s and a man in his 60s were arrested at the scene of the search.

They are both currently being detained at Castlerea Garda Station under the provisions of Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996.

Hundreds of TY students to take part in DNG estate agent programme

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January 30, 2023

galway daily news Over 130 children in emergency accommodation in Galway City

For the third year, DNG is once again opening its (virtual) doors to transition year students from Galway who have their minds set on a career in Ireland’s property market.

Registration is now open for DNG’s interactive online work experience TY Programme, which will run from 8 to 10 February.

Five hundred students are expected to take part in the programme this year.

Participating students will be given a first-hand understanding of working as an estate agent in Ireland, experiencing a day in the life through online auctions, virtual viewings, third level college presentations, and an auctioneering and property services apprenticeship programme.

Before transitioning to the online format, only 25 positions were available each year on DNG’s programme.

Utilising the online platform has given students of all backgrounds and abilities the chance to get involved.

DNG has now delivered its TY Programme to over 1,000 students across the country since 2021.

Keith Lowe, CEO of DNG said that seeking out beneficial work experience can be a great source of stress for TY students and their parents alike.

“Our virtual TY programme approach has increased the number of students we can accommodate each year vastly, while also giving an exciting opportunity for TY students to experience the world of Irish real estate and open their eyes to a potential career.

“Students from 22 different counties have already signed up to take part this year, but there are still places available and I would encourage all TY students to consider taking part.”

TY students, parents and teachers can find more information about DNG’s TY programme and register to take part by visiting https://ty.dng.ie/

Mary Kennedy meets people who now call Galway home in Moving West

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January 30, 2023

A fascinating series on TG4 presented by Mary Kennedy is following the lives of people who moved or are in the process of moving to a new home along the Atlantic coast.

Over the course of six half hour episodes, the series helps viewers discover a genuine message, that life, and in particular careers, won’t take a step back for those considering a move West.

In a relaxed and entertaining fashion, each episode explores the many opportunities that the region has to offer.

In the fifth episode on 8 February, viewers meet Sinead O’Kelly originally from Mayo and her husband Bernhard Bauer from Austria.

Sinead left home at 17, first to attend college in Cork and then to work as a holiday rep in Bulgaria, Italy and Austria where she settled for nine years and met Bernhard.

In 2016, they decided that we would both like to live in Ireland and have a little farm. After looking at places in Donegal, Leitrim and Sligo, they spotted Lough Atorick North Farm on a random website.

They say the move was easy enough. They both work in tech, run the farm and have two Airbnb’s in South Galway.

Also featured is Darren Burke, who wanted to start a career in medical devices. Galway, being a global gub, was therefore an obvious choice.

The move itself was relatively painless.

Since then, Darren has made many friends, joined a football team, met his now wife and founded a start-up company with two colleagues at the Gteic Hub in An Spidéal.

The couple live in Maigh Cuilinníand are expecting their first child.

In the first few weeks of Covid, Carol Tallon from Blessington bought an old homestead in Connemara through an online property auction.

Due to Covid restrictions, she could not see it in advance or travel to inspect it until after the conveyancing closed.

Carol runs a property communications company out of the Gteic hub in An Cheathrú Rua. She is learning Irish since moving and has taken on gaeilgeoir Bríd Molloy to ensure they can offer all existing communications services through Irish.

Sinead Ní Fhatharta is Head of Enterprise and Employment at Údarás na Gaeltachta in Na Forbacha.

Her primary role is to work with her team to encourage and support entrepreneurs (movers and locals) to develop their concepts, to establish their business and scale it through both financial and non-financial aid along with a property offering within the Gaeltacht areas.

She talks about the fact that movers west are welcome.

Moving West, TG4, Wednesday 8 February 8.30pm

Sathill business named as winner of You’re the Business campaign

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January 30, 2023

galway daily news wonky woolins salthill company

Salthill-based business Wonky Woolins has been announced as one of the ten winners of the You’re The Business campaign launched last year by Google, Enterprise Ireland and the LEOs.

The Wonky Woolins is a small handmade soft toy business creating quirky and unique characters, using founder Chloe Gardiner’s own designs and patterns.

Founded in 2018 by then 15-years old Chloe as a school project, the award-winning business prides itself on creating toys that are handmade to last for generations.

The business will receive a customised suite of digital supports from Google, expert sector and industry-specific mentoring across a range of technical areas that will help the ten SMEs to further develop their business.

The ten selected businesses will also receive a €1,000 Google ads package each.

Chloe Gardiner, owner of Wonky Woolins, said: “In 2023, I want to significantly raise the profile of The Wonky Woolins online and I believe Google Ads is one of the best means to do this.

“However, I have limited experience of leveraging this platform. Winning this competition provides our business with access to Google expertise which will be invaluable to help me develop and implement a digital strategy that will raise my brand’s profile online.”

University of Galway postgrad open evening takes place next week

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January 30, 2023

Galway Daily news NUIG construction €15 million over budget, 45 months late

University of Galway’s postgraduate open evening will take place on campus next Tuesday, February 7 from 4.30pm to 7.30pm.

With more than 200 courses on offer across a range of subjects, the event is key for those who are thinking of continuing their studies with postgrad courses.

The informal networking event will showcase the suite of full-time and part-time postgraduate programmes available, including taught and research masters, as well as doctoral research options.

Flexible, online, and blended learning options are also on offer.

Academic staff will be available to meet prospective students to discuss study opportunities, entry requirements and career paths. Postgraduate support staff will also be on hand to discuss applications, admissions, scholarships and fees.

The ‘Postgraduate Funding and Scholarships’ talk will present a range of schemes designed to make postgraduate study more affordable.

As part of University of Galway’s strategic focus on recognising excellence and success, EU students with first class honours in their undergraduate degree are eligible to apply for a €1,500 scholarship towards their taught master’s degree at the University.

Emily Atkinson, graduate of the MSc in Consumer Psychology, who was awarded a scholarship said that the postgraduate scholarship is a fantastic opportunity that rewards and incentivises the hard work it takes to achieve first class honours.

“The scholarship allowed me prioritise finding the right postgraduate course for me, and to focus on my studies during my masters.”

Valerie Leahy, Postgraduate Recruitment Officer, University of Galway, said: “We especially encourage visitors considering a return to university studies to attend our Postgraduate Open Day.

“Almost half of those applying to our postgraduate courses are not recent graduates, they are returning to study or upskill for their current job.

“The value of a postgraduate qualification is proven in terms of improving employability and career progression, increasing lifetime earnings, learning invaluable transferable skills that employers value, and many of our courses also offer opportunities for placement and internships.”

The event takes place on Tuesday February 7, 2023, from 4.30pm-7.30pm, in the Bailey Allen Hall, Áras na Mac Léinn. Booking in advance is recommended and is available at www.universityofgalway.ie/postgraduate-open-day.

Energy bills grants awarded to 17 Galway community groups

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January 30, 2023

Galway Daily news Galway sports clubs share in €2.5 million energy costs support

Grant funding of just over €18,000 has been awarded to 17 community and voluntary groups to help them pay their energy bills.

This funding comes under the second tranche of successful applicants for the Community and Voluntary Energy Support Scheme (CVESS).

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys announced that 228 groups across the country would receive a once-off contribution towards their increased energy bills.

“I hope this funding will go some way to alleviating the burden faced by these organisations as they go about their work delivering essential services, supports and facilities to communities all over Ireland,” Heather Humphreys said.

“We as a government are very conscious of the impact that rising energy costs continue to have on groups on the frontline.”

The Minister said that further traches of grants will be announced shortly, and that applications for the scheme remain open until February 24.

The full list of groups in Galway which have been awarded funding is:

Dunmore Parish Scheme CLG – €215
Glinsk Community Development Society Ltd – €331
Gort Resource Centre CLG – €1,135
Leenane Development Association – €200
Halla na bhForbacha Teo – €213
Coiste Meithil Oibre Kilenne Cuidechta Faoi Theorainn Rathaiocht – €241
Ballyconneely Parish Hall Association – €259
New Inn Community Development Company – €282
Ionad Cuimhneachain na nImirceach Teoranta – €321
Ballyglunin Community Development Company – €377
Comhairle Muintir An Chaiseal CFTR – €498
Ballinderreen Community Centre – €620
Ballinasloe Town Hall Company – €746
Westside Resource Centre – €779
Clonberne Community Centre Co – €3,055
Ballybane Community Centre – €4,224
S.C.C.U.L Enterprises – €4,654

Renewed appeal for information on missing Mayo man

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January 30, 2023

Renewed appeal for information on missing Mayo man

Gardaí are renewing their appeal to the public for information that could help locate a 68 year old man missing from County Mayo.

Seamus Cawley has been missing from his home in Crossmolina, Co. Mayo since the morning of Monday, January 16.

Seamus was last seen at approximately 10am when he left his home in a silver Volkswagen Golf with registration number 08-MO-11334.

His vehicle was last observed parked near to Knockadine Bridge at the N59, which is 3km outside of Crossmolina town.

Seamus is described as being approximately 5’9” with a stocky build and grey hair.

When last seen, he was wearing a green jumper, checked shirt and navy trousers.

Gardaí and Seamus’ family are concerned for his welfare.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who was travelling along the N59 on Monday, January 16 between 10am -12.30pm, and who may have information or dash cam footage, to come forward to them.

Anyone with any information on Seamus’ whereabouts is asked to contact Ballina Garda Station on 096 20560, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Applications open for 2023 Galway City Council Arts Grants

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January 30, 2023

Galway Daily news Open call for applicants to Galway City Creative Communities Grant

Applications are now open for the 2023 Galway City Council Arts Grant Scheme to help support professionals and amateurs alike.

There is €400,000 in total available for the scheme this year, which has now been divided based on the applicant’s professional status.

The Grant is split into two distinct strands: one for Professional Organisations and one for Community, Voluntary and Amateur Organisations.

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

The closing date for applications is 4pm on February 16. More information is available at www.galwaycity.ie/artsgrants2023.

There you can find links to information on what individuals and groups are eligible for what strand of the scheme, and application forms.

An Bord Pleanála refuses planning for Galway City housing estate

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January 30, 2023

Galway Daily news Green light for new apartment complex in Rahoon

An Bord Pleanála has refused planning permission for a residential development of 55 houses and apartments on the north side of the city.

An appeal was lodged in June of last year against the city council’s approval for a housing estate to the east of the Ballymoneen Road, which would have the N6 Galway City Bypass to its south.

Galway Cycling Campaign appealed against the city council’s decision, saying that the land is not zoned properly, and that there is a lack of active travel options.

In response to their appeal O’Malley Construction, behind the application, stated that the land is zoned for residential use, and is within walking distance of public transport.

The planned housing was to comprise 25 houses in a mix of three bedroom, and mostly four bedroom homes, while the apartments will be located in two three-storey blocks at either end of the site.

One vacant two-storey house on the site was to be demolished to make way for the new estate.

The original plans were for 58 units, but the council ordered three houses omitted from the design as a condition of planning permission, to improve the residential amenity of the other homes.

Planning permission was refused by An Bord Pleanála on the grounds that, notwithstanding the zoning of the site, the estate would constitute a “piecemeal” development of the area, without proper infrastructure such as pedestrian links and social facilities.

The decision also stated that this area of local road is “substandard in width and alignment”, without pedestrian and cycling facilities, and would therefore pose a safety issue.

Concerns were also raised about the culverting of an open drain into the Barna Stream on the site, and what the Bord said was insufficient information included in the Natura Impact Statement.

Two men due in court after €166,000 cannabis seizure

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January 29, 2023

Galway Daily courts Man charged in connection

The two men arrested last night after gardaí seized €166,000 worth of cannabis in Aughrim have been charged.

The men, both in their 30s, are due to appear before a special sitting of Galway District Court this evening.

Gardaí seized cannabis plants with an estimated street value of €146,000 and €20,000 worth of cannabis herb on Saturday evening at a property in Aughrim, between Loughrea and Ballinasloe.

The men were arrested at the scene in connection with the investigation.

Talented young singers needed to represent Ireland at Junior Eurovision

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January 29, 2023

galway daily news junior eurovision 2023 — Sophie Lennon, Ireland's representative in 2022. Photo by Corrine Cumming / EBU

Young singers in Galway are being invited to apply to represent Ireland at this year’s Junior Eurovision Song Contest.

Adare Productions is encouraging talented young singers from across the island of Ireland to apply, with heats taking place in Dublin in March.

The winner, who must be aged between 9 and 14 years this autumn, will go on to represent Ireland at the Junior Eurovision which has over 7.5 million viewers across Europe.

In 2022, Sophie Lennon came fourth in the contest with her song Solas.

All that is needed to enter is an amazing singing voice, and no original song is necessary. Applications are open to solos, duets and groups of up to six people.

The closing date for entries is 15 February 2023.

The application reuires a 40-second clip of the applicant singing. Apply now at www.tg4.ie/junioreurovision

Galway hoteliers say 9% tourism VAT rate must be retained

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January 29, 2023

galway daily news hotel bookings covid-19

The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) has today renewed its call on the Government to retain the 9% tourism VAT rate.

The call came in response to latest Business Post/Red C poll, which revealed that 66% of people now believe the current rate for hotels and restaurants should be extended.

IHF Galway Branch Chair Wayne Neilon said that it is very worrying that the government is contemplating an increase when many key tourism markets are experiencing a cost-of-living crisis.

He said that increasing consumer taxes such as tourism VAT is “the last thing we should be doing at this point.”

“People in Ireland and across our overseas markets are already being squeezed by exceptionally high levels of inflation and other pressures on their finances, which means there is a real risk that many will pull back from discretionary spending on holidays and breaks away.”

Recent industry research indicates that 81% of hoteliers are very concerned about the impact a VAT increase would have on their businesses given the very challenging economic headwinds facing the sector over the next 12 months.

“Any increase would have a significant inflationary impact and would damage our tourism competitiveness, with Irish consumers and overseas visitors having to pay the third highest tourism VAT rate in all of Europe,” added Mr Neilon.

“The focus of the Government should be on safeguarding tourism livelihoods and securing the long-term sustainable recovery of our industry. Now is not the time to put tourism recovery at risk by increasing VAT.”

Arrests made after Gardaí seize cannabis in two major operations

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January 29, 2023

Galway Daily news missing teen found safe

Three men were arrested in Galway on Saturday night after Gardaí seized cannabis plants and cash in two separate search operations.

In a planned search at a house in Aughrim, cannabis plants worth an estimated €146,000 and €20,000 worth of cannabis herb were seized.

Two men, both in their 30s, were arrested at the scene and are currently detained at Galway Garda station.
Gardaí also searched a residence in Ballinasloe, where cannabis herb with an estimated street value of €35,000 was seized as well as €7,510 in cash.

Cannabis jellies were also seized.
A man in his 40s was arrested in relation to the Ballinasloe seizure and was detained under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.

He was released yesterday evening without charge and a file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

All herbs are being forwarded for analysis.

Hundreds of students affected as IH Galway goes into liquidation

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January 28, 2023

galway daily news international house galway closed liquidation

The liquidation of International House Galway has been described as “deeply concerning” as hundreds of students are affected by the school’s sudden closure.

The English language academy in Galway city formed part of a network of over 150 schools across the world under the umbrella of the International House.

It is understood that all enrolled students are to be relocated to begin their studies in February.

But the Irish Council for International Students (ICOS) says questions remain over what will happen to students who have paid money to the school, but have yet to arrive in Ireland.

Speaking about the closure, Laura Harmon, Executive Director of ICOS, said the closure is a cause for concern, particularly, when the school was still advertising courses on their social media as recently as two weeks ago.

“While ICOS welcomes the assurances that enrolled students will be re-located to a new school, we are concerned that learners who have paid money to the International House, and have yet to arrive, will lose out financially,” said Ms Harmon.

“ICOS is calling on the government to urgently implement the International Education Mark (IEM) and ensure that all measures are taken to safeguard international students’ investment in their education, including mandatory use of escrow accounts.”

One affected student who paid money to IH Galway has a

Any students impacted by the closure can contact ICOS at www.internationalstudents.ie/contact

GIAF artistic director Paul Fahy receives prestigious French award

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January 28, 2023

galwa daily news paul fahy receiving french award

Paul Fahy has been named a Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by French Ambassador to Ireland Vincent Guérend during a ceremony at the Résidence de France.

The artistic director of Galway International Arts Festival (GIAF) was honoured for his significant work in the arts and the promotion of France-Ireland relations.

Guests at the French Ambassador’s residence in Ailsebury Road included members of Paul’s family and friends with well-known colleagues from the arts world.

These included artistic directors Garry Hynes, Druid; Fergus Shiel, Irish National Opera and Catriona MacLaughlin, Abbey Theatre.

GIAF colleagues in attendance included John Crumlish, Gerry Cleary, Tracey Ferguson and Elizabeth Duffy along with Chairperson Dr Patrick Lonergan from University of Galway.

“It is a huge honour to receive the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. I want to thank Ambassador Guérend and the French Ministry of Culture,” said Mr Fahy following the reception.

“I feel very humbled by this gesture and award. It has been a huge pleasure over the years working with so many wonderful artists, writers and performers and a joy to present the very best of French culture to Irish audiences, building links between Ireland and France and establishing long-lasting connections with French artists.”

The Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Order of Arts and Letters) was established in 1957 and is awarded by the French Ministry of Culture to recognize eminent artists, writers, and scholars for their efforts in promoting the awareness and enrichment of France’s cultural heritage throughout the world.

Striking workers in Ballinasloe today set example for all workers

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January 28, 2023