Caolin Blade signs long-term deal with Connacht Rugby

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January 17, 2023

galway daily news maeve mcgrath is new director of galway film fleadh — Galway Film Fleadh's new Director of Programming, Maeve McGrath. Photo: Aidan O'Connnor

Galway Film Fleadh has announced the appointment of Maeve McGrath as its new Director of Programming, taking over from Will Fitzgerald.

The festival programmer and producer will be responsible for curating the film fleadh’s annual line-up.

McGrath previously worked as Artistic Director of Kerry International Film Festival, producer at Carlow Arts Festival and joint short film programmer at Dublin International Film Festival.

She is embedded in community arts practice with The GAFF in Limerick where she recently curated a community audio/visual project, ‘Tiny Little Histories’ and she produced ‘TravFest,’ a Traveller Wellness Festival as part of Guth na Mincéirí.

McGrath completed her Masters in Media Studies at Mary I/UL in 2015 graduating with her thesis, Irish Short Film: The Road To Oscar which followed the route of Irish short films to the Academy Awards.

“It is an honour to be joining the brilliant team at the Galway Film Fleadh,” she said.

“The Fleadh has a very special place on the film festival circuit both nationally and internationally and I am delighted to be part of the team that will programme the 35th edition of the festival.”

Annie Doona, Chair of the Galway Film Fleadh, welcomed Maeve McGrath on behalf of the Board of Galway Film Fleadh.”

“Maeve brings a breadth of experience and creativity to the role and we look forward to working with her as we prepare for an exciting Fleadh 2023.”

Ms McGrath said that she has always loved watching films, since she was a child queueing outside the Royal Cinema in Limerick to see the latest release.

“There is something very comforting in settling into a cinema seat and letting a film take you on a journey.

“To work in the film festival world is a joy for me and I look forward to being part of the continued growth of the Galway Film Fleadh and supporting the development of both emerging and established filmmakers.”

Protest to take place outside UHG on Saturday

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January 17, 2023

A protest will take place outside University Hospital Galway this Saturday 21 January at 1pm calling on the HSE to properly staff the Emergency Department.

Organiser of the protest, Luke Silke, said that anyone who has been in the ED at the hospital lately will know how shocking the situation is.

He said a few months ago the INMO threatened to ballot for industrial action if the new temporary ED was not properly staffed prior to opening.

“I have submitted questions to the Minister for Health to get clarity on this – but my suspicion is that staffing levels haven’t been increased appropriately.

“We cannot persist with a situation where staff are being redeployed from other units to the emergency department to make up for the shortfalls.”

Mr Silke said nurses on the ground are enduring enormous stress and the idea of emigration is becoming more and more attractive to new graduates.

“I’ve focused my research on the month of November 2022 for which we have fairly detailed statistics,” he said.

“The HSE has told me that in UHG in November the average wait time in A&E was 7.5 hours. This was worse than any other hospital in the Saolta group, comprising Mayo, Sligo, Letterkenny and Portiuncula.

“The total trolley count, as recorded each morning in November at 8am, stood at 823. This was the fourth highest monthly trolley count in the entire country, with only Limerick, Cork and Tallaght coming in with higher counts.”

The protest will take place outside UHG on the Newcastle Road at 1pm on Saturday.

All you need to know about the latest slot games

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Angela Mc Bride

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January 17, 2023

Slots are the most popular online casino games. This is due to their simple gameplay and the numerous exciting themes and features. There has been a tremendous evolution in online slot games. Every day we have new slots, each with a fancy theme and exciting story, among other features. For players, especially the new ones, before login into an account and playing the game, it is important to learn about the latest slot games. The versatile nature of the fruit machines means that what you may have seen in the real money slots previously may not be the same as today. So before you play new game online, familiarize yourself with the new changes. In this article, we will delve into different things that you are supposed to know about the latest games.

Try the new slots

Playing slots is popular with most gambling enthusiasts. Some will play them for entertainment while others are in to win several prizes on offer. The convenience that the fruit machines offer, especially when available on mobile devices, is unrivaled.

You may be at home or work; you do not have to abandon your duties and visit a physical casino; the slots are available right in your space. The fact that they are also available in a wide range of games means that a player has a lot of options; there can be no dull moment with the slots.

The rewards and incentives offered to make people prefer fruit machines to other games. All a player has to do is identify the site that offers great promotions and use the strategies available to win, progressive jackpot, free spins, or slots. It also comes down to the ease of payment, where online casino games provide users with different methods through which they can deposit or withdraw. For all these reasons, a player will choose online slots at any time.

Play new games for free

Slotsjudge recommends that before login in to play new slot games, a player should first understand them. Given that each online fruit machine has unique features, learning how to play is important. Otherwise, you may lose your money. Providers will develop games that offer players a given experience. To get this experience, a player needs to learn. One way through which a player can understand the game is by reading reviews. This gives the player the confidence required to advance to real money games.

With reviews, you will learn what needs to be done to get the desired results. At Slotsjudge, reviews are written by knowledgeable and experienced players. With their many years of experience, they have seen a lot of casino games, and they can tell what is worth your time; they clearly understand the degree of quality of the online slots. Also, they are objective in their reviews; you will get an honest opinion. They will also provide information on where you can play online fruit machines for free.

Here, you will learn the ropes before you dive into real money games. Once you get this chance, utilize it to the maximum, and learn about the features and the strategies that you can use to win prizes. Use the opportunity to gain the necessary confidence. Only when you are satisfied that you can maneuver through the real money game should you go ahead and risk your money. When were are reminded that casino games are based on luck, and we should practice responsible gambling, these are some of the precautions that we need to take. Others include:

Not chasing the losses
Patronizing a platform that has put measures that give a warning when you go overboard
Using platforms that safeguard your privacy and security
Making a budget and sticking to it all the times

The slot games future

Experts predict that games will continue to be popular. Their use is set to grow phenomenally, especially with the relaxation of rules in the countries where they have been prohibited. It is expected that the stigma around the slots and the whole online gambling sector may wane, and we may begin to see regulators relaxing their rules.

More markets will be created by easing the entry process. Instead of outright bans, the government will make these games a source of revenue through taxes. Technology development will also see capabilities such as virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality, among others, being adopted in the games, ultimately enhancing the gambling experience.

Mobile gambling will also become mainstream, getting more people to play slots anywhere and anytime. With more payment options, great payouts, handsome bonus programs, and user-friendly platforms, the benefits for provider and player are enormous. The future is bright for online slots and the gambling sectors.

With the right knowledge, your experience with online slots is enhanced. Make it a habit to consult reviews regarding new online fruit machines. With this, you will not only learn but also get the information required to play and win your casino games.

Search ends for missing Mayo man (58) after body found

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January 17, 2023

Galway Daily news Woman (80s) dies following car crash two weeks ago

The search for a missing man in Co. Mayo has ended after a body was found earlier today.

Gardaí made an appeal to the public for help locating Martin Phillips (58) who had been missing since Sunday.

The appeal has now been stood down following the discovery of a man’s body in the Westport area.

Gardaí thanked the public for their assistance in this matter.

Paschal Donohoe’s expenses explanation “doesn’t wash” says local TD

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January 17, 2023

galway daily news paschal donohoe fine gael

Galway West TD Mairéad Farrell has said that Minister Paschal Donohoe’s expenses explanation “doesn’t wash” and that “his sums don’t add up.”

The Sinn Féin TD said that his suggestion that services provided to his campaign by his friend’s company do not constitute a political donation to him “stretches all credibility.”

Minister Donohoe said at the weekend that he updated his election expenses statement to the Standards in Public Office Commission (SIPO) after reviewing his records.

Deputy Farrell the SIPO rules are very clear, and that a candidate cannot accept a donation above €1,000.

A spokesperson for Minister Donohoe said that the money related to two donations and that each was below the strict limits set out in the Electoral Acts.

But Deputy Farrell said yesterday that the value “that Paschal has ascribed to this service, provided by his friend, is a fraction of the commercial cost of such a service. His sums don’t add up.

“His attempt to brush off his flouting of election rules as an oversight doesn’t wash. The Minister must come clean and thoroughly answer all of the outstanding issues.”

Planning refused for 60 apartments in Galway City westside area

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January 17, 2023

Galway Daily news Planning sought for major expansion of Galway City retail park

Planning permission has been refused for a commercial and residential development of 60 apartments on the westside of Galway City.

An application was made by Sodalitas Property Ltd for work at West City Centre Office and Retail Park on the Seamus Quirke Road.

The developer sought approval to demolish the offices on the first floor, and build 60 new apartments over three floors in their place, all of which were to have balconies.

They also intended to build a new single storey retail wing, to the west of the existing block, with a gross floor space of 1,976m².

The office and retail park is currently served by 303 car parking spaces, spilt between 163 spaces on the surface, and 140 more in an underground car park.

The application stated that the underground car park is rarely used, and would be reinstated to served the new apartments and retail building.

However, planning was refused by the city council for multiple reasons related to the design and layout of the project.

The council planning department said that the overall design of the development was not good enough to justify something of this scale, heigh, and density, and that it had a poor internal layout.

The inclusion of the balconies was criticised for their “poor visual coherence” and being unsuited to the climate of the area, as well as creating overlooking issues with neighbouring properties.

The amount and quality of private and communal space in the plans was not sufficient, the council planners said, and that the site layout does not accommodate active travel, an accessible living environment, or community needs.

Council planners also said that the developer had not provided sufficient information to show that the project wouldn’t have on the conservation goals of any protected sites.

The final reason given for refusing permission was that the developer had failed to show that the additional traffic on the site could be handled safely.

Three objections were received by the council, one of which was submitted on behalf of six houses located behind the site, which raised concerns about increased traffic, and overshadowing of their homes.

Retained firefighters with SIPTU vote for strike action

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January 17, 2023

Galway Daily news Retained firefighters vote to accept WRC proposals to end industrial dispute

Retained Fire Fighters in SIPTU have voted for industrial action, up to strike action in response to a retention and recruitment crisis.

SIPTU represents some 2,000 members of the retained fire service across 200 fire stations in Ireland.

The union says that many of their members are unable to take leave entitlements because of staff shortages, and have also seen their incomes shrink due to reductions in call-outs and other restrictions imposed by the fire service.

Retained Fire Fighters are not stationed at a fire station full-time, but are on call to respond to emergencies 24/7, under any conditions.

SIPTU sector organiser Brendan O’Brien said that the current personnel situation has exposed their members, and the wider public, to greater levels of risk.

“Our members have voted in local authority areas across the country by, on average, more than 90% to take strike action due to the failure by management to meaningfully address an ongoing recruitment and retention crisis.”

“Almost 2000 Retained Fire Service members are organised in SIPTU across 200 fire stations nationally.”

“They are required to provide 24/7 emergency response and restrict their movement, at all times while on call, to within typically five minutes travel time of their fire station.”

He added that the precarious nature of their income means that many are now unable to achieve things such as getting approval for a mortgage.

“The Retained Fire Service is now at a critical stage with many firefighters seeking to leave the service and Local Authorities are struggling to recruit and retain new staff.”

Minister for Housing Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien recently published a review of the future of the Retained Fire Service, which includes multiple recommendations.

SIPTU has said that it will meet with officials from local authorities and the government on January 27 to discuss these.

SIPTU Public Administration and Community Division Organiser, Adrian Kane said that measures to address this crisis must include entitlements on structure pay and leave.

If these are not addressed, he added, the union will notify local authorities of impending industrial action.

Garda appeal over missing 69 year old Mayo man

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January 17, 2023

Galway Daily news Garda appeal over missing 69 year old man from Mayo

Gardaí are appealing to the public for any information that could help locate a missing Mayo man, last seen early Tuesday morning.

Patrick Bowland, 69 years old, was last seen at approximately 1am near the Westport Road in Castlebar this morning.

Patrick is described as being approximately 6’3” with a medium build and grey.

When last seen, he was wearing pyjamas with a check pattern and a dark t-shirt.

An Garda Síochána and Patrick’s family are concerned for his welfare.

Anyone with any information on Patrick’s whereabouts are asked to contact Castlebar Garda Station on 094 903 8200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Female entrepreneurship programme at University of Galway kicking into high gear

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January 17, 2023

A new initiative at University of Galway to nurture the next generation of female entrepreneurs is kicking into high gear, with recruitment underway.

IdeasLab, the entrepreneurial and innovation hub at University of Galway, is now actively recruiting for its new CreateHer programme.

This programme aims to further develop female focussed initiatives with a focus on creativity as a central tenet.

To ensure that the initiative is coherent, fit for purpose and student centric IdeasLab has through a consultative process designed a programme that will be reviewed by an expert advisory group.

The CreateHER advisory group is co-chaired by Dr. Natalie Walsh and Jenny Mullery at IdeasLab, along with a wealth of successful female entrepreneurs, academics, and students, many of them alumni of University of Galway.

“CreateHER has been designed to provide a unique environment for our female students to develop and nurture their entrepreneurial selves,” Dr Walsh said.

“We know that our student entrepreneurs will learn best from each other and fellow female entrepreneurs across the globe.”

Based on this they have built a programme based on, “shared experiences, practical workshops and mentorship” to nurture future female entrepreneurs.

“We are excited to onboard our first intake later this month and share their journeys and successes in the future,” she added.

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The advisory group includes Dr. Ellen Roche, Associate Professor at MIT, Lisa Regan MD of Lisa Regan Public Relations, and Dr. Helen Breen, who manages early stage investing at Atlantic Bridge venture capital fund.

Elaine Mannion is the General Manager at the Abbey Theatre, Carol Joyce and Anna Hosty are co-owners of Yourells Hair Group and founders of The Hair Vitamin Company, and Dr Vanessa Creaven is co-founder and CEO at Spotlight Oral Care.

From the academic side at University of Galway are Professor Patrick Lonnergan, a member of the Royal Irish Academy, and student Karen Gillooly, a former IdeasLab intern.

In addition to the advisory board, the University has partnered with WestBIC to deliver aspects of the programme.

WestBIC provides tailored, high-level support to entrepreneurs to convert their innovative ideas into a commercial reality.

They are supporting CreateHER with mentorship and host events and workshops during the programme.

Upgrade works underway for major facelift to city playground

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January 17, 2023

Galway daily news Upgrade works underway for major facelift to city playground

Work has gotten underway this week to give an exciting facelift for a children’s playground in Claddagh.

South Park playground is getting a nautical themed makeover that kids will enjoy, as well as a special piece of equipment for non-verbal children.

The main feature of the new and improved playground will be a Pirate Ship frigate centrepiece, with slides and a kinetic wheel complete with sounds.

A PECS Communication Board for non-verbal children is also being installed, the first of its kind in Galway City.

Most of the existing play equipment is being retained, with refurbishments such as new wetpour to outline safety areas, and fresh paint jobs with a nautical theme throughout.

New benches are being installed for parents, boat themed planters to keep the place looking good, and two springers are being removed and replaced with new units.

Fresh weather warning issued as cold snap continues this week

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January 16, 2023

Galway Daily news Fresh weather warning issued as cold snap continues this week

Met Eireann has issued a fresh weather warning for ongoing icy conditions and sub zero temperatures in Galway and across Ireland this week.

The status yellow warning for low temperatures and ice will be in place from 4pm on Monday until midday on Tuesday.

Icy stretches will lead to hazardous driving conditions as a result of the cold snap, particularly on untreated roads and paths.

There is also the chance of snow showers in the northwest and southwest of Ireland, with accumulations possible, particularly in mountainous areas.

Temperatures in Galway are expected to reach lows of -4 degrees in places inland overnight on Monday. In coastal areas it will be a slightly milder -1 to -2 degrees overnight.

Other than the cold, it is expected to be a clear day today, with partly cloudy skies and some bright spells, and just a mild variable breeze.

Tuesday will be a bit more unsettled, with some scattered showers of snow and rain, but also patches of sunshine.

Gardaí seek man missing from the west of Ireland

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January 16, 2023

Galway Daily news Gardaí seek man missing from the west of Ireland

Gardaí are seeking the public’s help in locating a missing man in his 50s from the west of Ireland, who was last seen on Sunday.

Martin Phillips (58) was last seen in his home in Westport, Co. Mayo in the early hours of the morning, Sunday 15th January 2023.

Martin is described as being 5 foot 7 inches tall with a slim build. He has short grey hair and brown eyes.

It is believed Martin was wearing a green rain jacket, beige trousers and walking boots at the time he went missing.

An Garda Síochána have said that they, and Martin’s family, are concerned for his welfare.

Anyone with information on Martin’s whereabouts is asked to contact Westport Garda Station on 098 50230, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Tuam Inner Relief Road need to unlock town’s development potential

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January 16, 2023

Galway Daily news Additional Dog fines will have little effect without more Dog Wardens

The Tuam Inner Relief Road should be prioritised by the council in order to unlock the potential of undeveloped land, Galway TD Sean Canney has said.

The Galway East TD said that Tuam has experienced a lot of growth since the opening of the bypass a few years back, with more to come.

One such development he highlighted was the opening of the €50 million health campus, which includes a primary care centre, and new mental health and addiction services coming online at Old Grove Hospital.

“We will also see a transformation in educational facilities in Tuam over the next few years with a new 32 Classroom National School together with developments on our amalgamated secondary schools and Archbishop McHale College.”

He added that access to the town needs to be opened up, as these new facilities will all be located in the town centre.

“With all the future developments it is important that we have land available for housing and industrial development and the inner relief road will do this.”

Deputy Canney said that he had raised the issue of the inner relief road with the Minister for Transport.

“At that stage Galway County Council had not made any application for funding but I understand that the Council are now to prioritise this project for Tuam.”

In addition to supporting future land development, he said that building this road would also facilitate new walking and cycling infrastructure.

Rising costs hit plans for new hotel in city’s westend

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January 16, 2023

Galway Daily news Council refuses to extend planning for Galway City hotel

Plans for a new hotel in the westend of Galway City have been severely delayed by rising construction and energy costs.

Carroll’s Inn, the popular bar on Dominick Street, received approval from the city council back in 2018 for a hotel with a bar and restaurant.

They have now submitted an Extension of Duration application to the city council, to extend the lifespan of the planning permission.

The development will involve demolishing a building to the rear of No. 39 Dominick Street to build a four storey extension to the rear of multiple buildings on the street.

The project also involves significant renovations to 39, and 41 – 43 Dominick street which are protected structures, and would make up part of the hotel.

However, construction has yet to begin on the new hotel, with the developer citing the COVID pandemic, which shut down construction, and rising costs since then.

“Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 global pandemic and now the rising costs of construction and energy, the build will need to be postponed based on feasibility at the moment,” the EOD application states.

The current planning permission expires on January 19, and the developer is seeking a five year extension of it.

A decision on the planning application is due from Galway City Council by February 14.

Both the city council and An Bord Pleanála rejected an application to add an additional floor to the planned hotel back in 2019.

The larger building would be highly visually obtrusive, An Bord Pleanála said, and detract from the architectural heritage of the area.

Five newly sworn Gardaí assigned to northwest region

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January 16, 2023

galway daily news Further arrests made in connection with car park brawl

Five newly sworn members of An Garda Síochána have been assigned to the northwest region, which is headquartered in Galway City.

These come from a group of 24 new Gardaí who were sworn in last Friday, bringing the total size of the force in Ireland to police 14,157 officers.

These members of An Garda Síochána are the last members to have applied to join An Garda Síochána during the 2019 recruitment campaign.

The new Gardaí commenced their Garda training in May 2022, and have undertaken a blend of on-line learning, on-site learning in the Garda College, and experiential learning in training Garda stations.

Speaking at the attestation ceremony, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said, “Our duties and responsibilities as Ireland’s national police and security service have broadened substantially since our foundation 100 year ago.”

“But one thing has remained resolute – the strong and unique bond with the communities that we serve – firmly built on a tradition of policing by consent.”

“Policing with and for the people to allow them live freely from violence, crime and fear.”

“As these new Gardaí now go to serve in cities, towns and villages, they will play an important role in maintaining this connection.”

“In providing that service, they should never lose sight of the importance of treating every single person they encounter with dignity and respect.”

There are a further 89 recruits currently in the training programme at Templemore Garda College.

The next intake of Garda recruits from the 2022 recruitment campaign are scheduled to enter the Garda College before end of February 2023.

Weather warning issued for Galway as hazardous conditions forecast

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January 15, 2023

Galway Daily weather Met Eireann issues fresh weather warning for Galway

Met Éireann has issued a status yellow weather warning for Galway ahead of freezing conditions which are forecast for the next few days.

Icy stretches are likely on Sunday night and Monday morning, leading to hazardous travelling conditions, especially on untreated roads and footpaths.

Some patches of freezing fog are also possible.

All counties in the Republic were issued the warning, which comes into force on Sunday evening at 6pm.

The warning will remain in place overnight before being lifted at 12pm on Monday.

Planning refused for Headford housing estate

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January 15, 2023

Galway Daily news Plans submitted for Headford housing development

Galway County Council has refused planning permission for the construction of a housing estate in Headford.

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

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

Other works would involve creating a new access point onto the N84, and a central landscaped public space.

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

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

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

In refusing planning permission, the county council said that the site is zoned as Residential Phase 2 under the County Development Plan, which are generally not to be considered for building in the lifetime of the 2022-2028 CDP.

The second reason given for rejecting the plans, was that it would have an adverse impact on the national road, with a new entrance onto it leading to a negative effect on road safety.

Back in 2021, Callanan & Walsh received planning approval for 49 houses on a site to the west and northwest of this location.

Galway Rural Development welcomes pay deal progress

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January 15, 2023

galway daily news grd at dáil éireann — Pictured at Dáil Eireann were Séan Larkin (GRD), Ellen Brennan (Dublin South Partnership), Senator Eugene Murphy, Liz Macdonald (GRD), Martin Corcoran (Mayo North East Partnership), Robert Troy TD, Senator Ollie Crowe, and Sean Broderick (GRD Senior Manager).

Galway Rural Development has called for a ‘swift and timely’ resolution to the pay deal in relation to Rural Social Scheme (RSS), TÚS and CE Scheme supervisors.

This follows the announcement this week, after a campaign by the Galway development company, that the Government had accepted the need for a pay rise for supervisors and assistant supervisors within the three schemes.

Earlier this week Senator Ollie Crowe (FF) welcomed the news that the Department of Social Protection will now attend the Workplace Relations Commission and said he looked forward to the Department sitting at the table with the representatives of the supervisors to reach an acceptable pay settlement.

“Alongside my Fianna Fáil colleagues we have been working with our Government colleagues to make their voice heard,” he said.

“These workers do very important work in communities and bring valuable skills to those gaining work experience on these schemes.”

Galway Rural Development welcomed the news, and thanked Senator Crowe for his support, but they urged the government to not repeat the delays associated with previous announcements.

GRD led a national campaign last summer involving community meetings and presentations at Dáil Éireann which resulted in changes to the schemes, with the pay and conditions element deferred until this year.

Speaking on behalf of GRD, Senior Manager Sean Broderick, said: “We warmly welcome the fact that that Government has moved with respect to TÚS, RSS and CE supervisors pay claims, however it is critically important that actions now match words and there isn’t a repeat of the delays experienced by other groups in the Workplace Relations Commission.”

Step forward for offshore wind farm near Carna

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January 14, 2023