Green light for Portumna GAA Club upgrades

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December 14, 2022

Galway Daily life & style Meet Galway's local wildlife in the Hearth of Winter — The Hearth of Winter at Merlin Woods - Photo: Colin Stanley

The annual Hearth of Winter event hosted by Friends of Merlin Woods will take place this week, a seasonal chance to meet local wildlife.

Hearth of Winter is a lovely treat for the local wildlife during the cooler periods of the season, and gives the public and opportunity to see visiting Red Squirrels and birdfeeders up close.

The event will take place this Sunday, December 18 from 4-5pm, at the roundabout on the main path in Merlin Woods, where they fill and hang recycled and sustainable bird feeders.

This year, Friends of Merlin Woods are linking in with Cúirt Literary Festival for the event, supported by Creative Ireland.

Workshops have taken place with local writers at youth and adult level linking in with Ard Family Resource Youth Group, Foroige, and Doughiska Writers group, and the writers works will be highlighted.

The workshops have been facilitated by Merlin Woods Collective and author Aoibheann Mc Cann, with Aoibheann also leading this event, which will include readings from her own work.

Friends of Merlin Woods are inviting all to attend, bring your own homemade or recycled feeders to hang on the day and enjoy a peaceful, relaxing family fun event.

The Hearth of Winter is a chance to give back to nature and spend time together in nature. Bring your feeders, they’ll supply the bird food.

For more information, please email eventsmerlinwoods@gmail.com.

Twelve Galway community groups get grants to keep the lights on

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December 14, 2022

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

Twelve community and voluntary groups in Galway have been awarded grants totalling just over €8,500 to help them with their energy bills.

The 12 groups in Galway are among the 180 recipients of the first tranche of funding under the Community and Voluntary Energy Support Scheme (CVESS), which launched last month.

The largest grant awarded to a single group in Galway was for €3,750, while the smallest was just €200.

“With Christmas less than a fortnight away, our voluntary and community sector continues to play a crucial role in towns and villages the length and breadth of the country,” Minister Heather Humphreys said.

“This new scheme is about easing the pressures that our voluntary and community groups face in terms of their energy costs.”

“The grants may be small in nature, but they will important all the same in helping to pay an electricity bill or keeping a premises warm during this particularly cold period.”

The 12 Galway groups including in the first tranche of grants under the scheme are:

Maree Community Development Co – €3,750
Oranmore Community Development Assoc. – €956
Inishbofin Development Company – €798
Loughrea Family & Community Resource Centre – €689
Lackagh Museum and Community Development Association – €523
Westside Age Inclusion – €352
Castleblakeney Church Restoration Association – €308
Coiste Forbartha an Mháma – €285
Kiltartan Gregory Museum – €269
Cumann Forbartha na Foirnéise Teo – €229
Claregalway Historical & Cultural Society – €210
Cleas Cuideachata Teo – €200

The CVES Scheme was launched last month due to concerns that rising energy costs would pose a severe problem for the voluntary sector.

The scheme remains open for applications until January 20 of next year, with further tranches of funding set to be announced in the coming weeks.

Minister of State Joe O’Brien said, “Community and voluntary organisations play a vital role in our society, and in how we support our people.”

“We recognise that in providing a wealth of services and supports to individuals and to communities, they often operate from multiple sites to meet the needs of people where they are – we understand this and so have adapted the application process to make it easier for such organisations to apply.”

A total of €10 million was allocated for the CVESS, which aims to support community and voluntary groups which fall outside the parameters of other schemes.

Frozen waterways prompt joint water safety appeal

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December 14, 2022

Galway Daily news Temperatures as low as -5 degrees forecast for Galway overnight — Photo: Julia Volk via Pexels

The Coast Guard, RNLI, and Water Safety Ireland have issued a joint warning for people to be aware of the added danger from icy conditions.

The three agencies have warned the public to be cautious of going out on frozen waterways, and to be extra careful due to the added danger of extremely cold water.

Due to the freezing temperatures in recent days, many canals, lakes, ponds, or other areas have frozen over, but that does not mean they are safe.

As the thickness of this ice can vary greatly the strong advice is to stay off the ice.

Be extra vigilant while walking beside bodies of water as walkways and paths can become extremely slippery and unsafe when icy. Keep pets and young children away from the edges.

Water Safety Ireland’s Deputy CEO, Roger Sweeney said, “Children are naturally curious about walking on ice but parents should emphasize that it is not safe as the thickness can vary.”

“This is why it so important that adults provide uninterrupted, responsible supervision beside any waterway.”

Irish Coast Guard Head of Operations Gerard O’Flynn added, “Many people are looking forward to engaging in outdoor activities, including open water swimming or quick dips over the over the festive period, but please attend to your personal safety by carefully planning your intended activity.”

The three groups have the following water safety tips to be aware of:

In an emergency dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard
Have a means of calling for help, e.g., a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch and a whistle
Check weather and tides. Be particularly mindful of strong wind conditions.
When you go open water swimming, it is very important to acclimatise by entering the water slowly and allowing time for your body to get used to the cold.
To help yourself acclimatise, splash the cold water on your neck and face.
Warm up afterwards by putting on dry clothes quickly and wear a warm hat as soon as you get out.
Entry and exit points may be difficult in the sub-zero conditions so walk slowly to avoid slipping.
Avoid swimming in areas where there is ice.Co

RNLI Water Safety Delivery Support Lisa Hollingum said, ‘Cold water shock is a very real possibility while winter swimming and dipping.”

“Acclimatise before getting in, don’t stay in long and warm up as soon as you get out of the water. Look out for one another.”

An Orange Weather Warning for low temperatures will be in effect from Thursday evening until Friday midday.

Gardaí seize cannabis, tobacco and cash at house in Galway city

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December 13, 2022

galway daily news drugs tobacco seizure galway city

Gardaí arrested a man in his 60s on Monday afternoon after seizing cannabis, cash and tobacco at a house in Galway city.

The Galway Divisional Drugs Unit seized over €20,000 of cannabis, more than €3,500 worth of tobacco and €2,650 in cash during the search of the property.

The drugs are now subject to analysis by Forensic Science Ireland.

The man has been released without charge, and a file will now be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Gardaí say investigations are continuing.

Measures to support student nurses and midwives welcomed

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December 13, 2022

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation has welcomed news that measures to support student nurses and midwives have been approved by Cabinet.

The decision will see students supported with travel, subsistence, accommodation and uniform costs.

The measures were recommendations made in the McHugh report published in August 2021, and were due to be implemented by the beginning of the 2022 academic year.

The INMO says that the Cabinet decision is important in the context of supporting student nurses and midwives, as well as buiding measures to retain them on qualification.

The union is now seeking an immediate meeting with Department of Health officials to look at the details and implementation measures surrounding the implementation of the McHugh report recommendations.

Student and New Graduate Officer of the INMO, Róisín O’Connell, said that students are affected by the same cost-of-living challenges as their qualified colleagues.

She said many of them are struggling to meet the costs of transportation, fuel, heating, accommodation, and other necessities for completing their training.

“This includes the cost of accommodation away from home during placements, which is simply unaffordable for students.

“The McHugh report was aimed at bringing allowances for student nurses and midwives in line with the expenses they always incur as part of their training.”

Róisín said it was also important to recognise the additional challenges placed on students during the pandemic and the huge contribution they made to the frontline workforce.

“Travel is a big part of student placements, but some students will have to pay for accommodation in two places. Supports for these really significant expenses and for uniforms will mean a lot to our student members.

“The INMO has lobbied and pursued these claims for student nurses since 2010 so it is very welcome that as the fourth years commence their internship this is one less issue for them to deal with.”

Another orange warning issued as cold spell continues

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December 13, 2022

Galway Daily weather Weather warning as further snow showers forecast

Met Éireann has issued another status orange warning for low temperatures in Galway tonight as it remains baltic across the country.

It will be bitterly cold overnight, with temperatures below -5 degrees leading to severe frost and ice in many places.

The orange warning begins at 6pm Wednesday and will be in place for 18 hours until midday Thursday.

Also affected by the warning are Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Cork, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Leitrim, Laois, Limerick, Longford, Louth, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Tipperary, and Westmeath.

The freezing temperatures look set increase by the weekend, when cloudy and wet conditions return.

Special RnaG show to feature best musicians in the west on NYE

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December 13, 2022

galway daily news seamus agus caoimhe o flatharta — Caoimhe agus Seamus O Flatharta

Some of the best musicians in the west of Ireland will take part in Slán le 2022 – a special New Year’s Eve programme on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta as part of the station’s Christmas schedule.

From 10pm on New Year’s Eve, presenters Jó Ní Chéide and Séamus Ó Scanláin will be joined by a host of fantastic musicians to welcome the new year.

Guests will include gifted singer-songwriter Pádraig Jack from Árainn, Bríd Ní Mhaoilchiaráin, winner of this year’s Corn Uí Riada – the All-Ireland sean-nós final, and talented Conamara brother and sister Séamus and Caoimhe Ó Flatharta, as well as many more.

The voice of the young generation of Galway talent will feature strongly across the Christmas schedule of the station this year.

Taisce Chois Fharraige is a project undertaken by Ceoltóirí Óga Chois Fharraige to gather information, sound recordings, and photos about the musicians, singers, dancers, storytellers and writers of the Cois Fharraige Gaeltacht area as a valuable archive for future generations.

On Christmas Eve at 8pm RnaG will broadcast the special concert held for the launch of the project earlier in December.

It is tradition that the talented Conamara youngsters who take part in the Oireachtas festival every year are then invited to participate in a special show afterwards back home to celebrate their achievements.

RnaG was in Leitir Móir for the event this year, and it will be broadcast over two programmes at Christmas – the first on Tuesday 27 December at 3pm, and the second on Sunday 1 January at 5pm.

All the traditional arts will be represented including singing, storytelling, sketches, agallamh beirte and sean-nós dancing.

On Christmas Day at 5pm, listeners can tune in to hear Cosán na Naomh, a new music commission produced by Stiúideo Cuan in An Spidéal.

Written by fiddler and composer Máire Breatnach, Cosán na Naomh is inspired by an 18 km pilgrim route through the West Kerry peninsula of Corca Dhuibhne.

The work is performed by piper Mick O’Brien, Harper Noreen O’Donoghue and the composer herself on fiddle and viola. It was on stage earlier this year, but this is its radio premiere.

The RnaG archive is an invaluable source of information about the people and the history of Conamara.

Recently, Bríd Nic Dhonncha did a presentation to the Cumann Béaloideas Chonamara folklore society about the wealth of material in the archive relating to An Cheathrú Rua.

This can be heard on 3 January at 9.10am in Cartlann na Ceathrún Rua – RnaG@50.

The programme will include recordings with Colm Choilm Dairbe, father of well-known boatman John Dairbe Ó Flatharta, Cáit Uí Chathair, who was married to famous Blasket Islander Muiris Ó Súilleabháin, and Jimmy an Oileáin.

2022 was a big year for RnaG as they marked fifty years on air, and listeners will get another chance to hear some of the special programmes broadcast for the celebrations over Christmas, including the gala concert RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta 50 featuring, among many others, Johnny Óg Connolly, Altan, Iarla Ó Lionáird & Steve Cooney, together with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, which will be broadcast on New Year’s Eve at 7pm.

Joe Heaney, or Joe Éinniú, remains a great Conamara legend, and the gala concert from the annual festival in his name in Carna will be broadcast on 3 January at 7 pm.

Details of the full RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta Christmas schedule are available on its website rte.ie/rnag

Boil Water Notice issued for Gort due to issues at treatment plant

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December 13, 2022

Galway Daily news Kinvara Boil Water Notice

A temporary Boil Water Notice has been issued by Irish Water for customers supplied by the Gort Public Water Supply.

The advice was issued to protect the health of more than 2,700 people due to issues at the water treatment plant caused by freezing conditions.

Drinking water experts from Irish Water and Galway County Council are working to rectify the issues at the plant and lift the temporary notice as quickly and as safely as possible.

In the meantime, residents on this supply are advised to boil water before use until further notice.

galway daily news gort boil water notice — Map of affected area

Alternative water supplies in the form of bulk tankers have been arranged and are in place at Church Street.

The alternative water supplies will be replenished on a daily basis and customers are reminded to use their own containers when taking water from the tanker and to boil water before consumption as a precautionary measure.

Irish Water’s, Eoin Hughes, said that he regrets the inconvenience to impacted customers, saying that public health is Irish Water’s number one priority and we would like to assure customers that the notice has been put in place to protect public health.

“We completely understand the community’s frustration and can ensure everyone that we are working tirelessly to resolve the issues affecting the treatment plant. We again apologise for the inconvenience this has caused.”

Vulnerable customers who have registered with Irish Water receive direct communication on Boil Water Notices.

People have been reminded that the water is safe to consume once boiled.

Water must be boiled for

Drinking;
Drinks made with water;
Preparation of salads and similar foods, which are not cooked prior to eating;
Brushing of teeth;
Making of ice – discard ice cubes in fridges and freezers and filtered water in fridges. Make ice from cooled boiled water.

Council awards grants to 53 sports clubs across Galway City

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December 13, 2022

Galway City Council has awarded grants to 53 sports clubs under the Sports Club Grants Scheme.

A total of €140,000 was allocated to clubs across the city, with 22 receiving the maximum grant amount of €3,500. A further 12 clubs were awarded at €2,500 or more.

The funding will go towards the costs of equipment, coaching and travel, as well as a significant amount going towards upskilling volunteers.

Successful Clubs	Allocation
13th Galway Scouts Renmore	€ 1,800
24th Galway Sea Scouts	€ 2,600
32nd Menlo Scouting Group	€ 3,450
Aras Badminton Club	€ 300
Corrib Rangers FC	€ 3,500
Corrib Water Polo Club	€ 3,000
County Galway Cricket Club	€ 1,600
Cumann Suil Sois Coiribe	€ 2,300
Fr. Griffin Eire Og	€ 3,500
Gaillimh Galloglaigh	€ 1,500
Galway Bay Rugby Club	€ 3,500
Galway Bohemians AFC	€ 3,500
Galway Boxing Club	€ 3,400
Galway City Harriers	€ 3,500
Galway City Sailing Club	€ 3,500
Galway City School of Judo	€ 2,800
Galway Corintians RFC	€ 2,880
Galway Hibernians FC	€ 3,500
Galway Hockey Club	€ 700
Galway Hooker Sailing Club	€ 3,300
Galway Judo Club	€ 300
Galway Kayak Club	€ 3,500
Galway Netball Club	€ 400
Galway Rowing Club	€ 3,500
Galway Rugby League Club	€ 270
Galway Shotokan Karate Club	€ 2,900
Galway Softball Club	€ 1,600
Galway Swimming Club	€ 3,500
Galway Triathlon Club	€ 3,500
Galwegians Rugby Football Club	€ 3,500
Greenfields Hockey Club	€ 2,500
Knocknacarra AFC	€ 3,500
Knocknacarra Judo Club	€ 2,200
Lazer Swimming Club	€ 1,800
Liam Mellows GAA Club	€ 2,400
Merlin Woods Sports Club	€ 3,500
Merlin Woods Tennis Club	€ 1,800
Mervue United	€ 3,500
OLBC Rugby Football Club	€ 1,000
Olympic Boxing Club	€ 3,400
Rahoon Newcastle GAA	€ 2,250
Renmore AFC	€ 3,500
Renmore Gymnastics Club	€ 3,500
Renmore Hockey Club	€ 3,500
Renmore Judo Club	€ 2,650
Shark Swimming Club	€ 3,500
St. James’ GAA Club	€ 3,500
St. Michaels GAA	€ 3,400
Titans basketball Club	€ 3,500
Tribes Basketball Club	€ 300
Tribes Water Polo Club	€ 3,500
Tribesman Rowing Club	€ 3,100
West United FC	€ 1,100

Galway City Council thanked Galway Sports Partnership for administering the grants on their behalf.

Galway youth and community groups committed to European cooperation

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December 13, 2022

galway daily news community groups recognised for European cooperation — Megan Atkinson from Bluebell as Over 150 young people and youth workers from across Ireland came together to mark the Irish closing ceremony of the European Year of Youth at Dublin’s Convention Centre. Pic: Marc O'Sullivan

Galway Community Circus and Galway Simon Community were among 35 organisations nationwide which were recognised for their commitment to the values and priorities of European cooperation by Léargas, the Irish agency that promotes and manages European exchange programmes.

Over 150 young people and youth workers from across Ireland attended the recent European YouthFest event in Dublin’s Convention Centre.

Also recognised at the event, was David Poland, who received an award for his role as a Eurodesk ambassador.

Eurodesk ambassadors champion European mobility opportunities for young people in their local areas and wider communities by sharing information, creating youth friendly content for online networks and providing feedback to the Eurodesk Network.

Mr Poland was recognised for his work for young people in Galway and across Ireland.

Presenting organisations with Erasmus+ Accreditation in Youth or European Solidarity Corps Quality Labels, Lorraine Gilligan, Executive Director of Léargas, said: “I’m hugely excited for the young people of Ireland when I see the breadth and diversity of youth and community groups receiving accreditation and quality labels here today.

“Representing communities from every corner of Ireland, and some working nationwide, these organisations are supporting an inclusive Ireland where young people from right across the country, and from every background, can reach their potential and enjoy the transformational experience of an EU programme.

“The wonderful thing about all of the opportunities we provide through Léargas in education, training, youth and sport, is that it’s often the first of many experiences for those who get involved.

“We see the transformative impact that these programmes can have for young people and those who work with them, and we see those individuals and groups come back to explore a new programme year after year.”

The European YouthFest event marked the Irish closing event of the European Year of Youth which has seen a programme of funded events and activities for young people across Ireland in 2022.

Ms Gilligan said: “We’ve been honoured to coordinate the European Year of Youth in Ireland this year and to welcome so many newcomers to our European community!”

“It’s been fantastic to see more interaction and projects from groups within the Traveller community groups of young people in direct provision centres and from harder to reach communities across Ireland. Guiding these young people and those who work with them to discover the incredible opportunities open to them through the Programmes Léargas operates is a privilege.”

Eight Galway schools to benefit from safer walking and cycling routes

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December 13, 2022

galway daily news safer routes to school programme — Hildegarde Naughton TD, joined students from Scoil Fhursa in Galway - from left : Jane Ní Chearbhaill, John Ó Gráinne, Max Ó Cearbhaill and Anna Ní Ghráinne. Photo:Andrew Downes xposure.

Eight schools in Galway city and county have been selected for round 2 of the Safe Routes to School Programme which aims to create safer walking and cycling routes for students.

The schools in Galway included in the programme are Coláiste Iognáid; Gaelscoil Dara, Bóthar Bhaile an Locháin, An Rinn Mhór; Scoil Fhursa Nile Lodge Gaillimh; Ballinderreen NS; Gort Community School; Scoil na bhForbacha, An Spideal; Scoil Sailearna, Indreabhán; and St Brendan’s NS, Mount Pleasant Loughrea.

The Safe Routes to School Programme will alleviate congestion at the school gates and increase the number of students who walk or cycle to school by providing improvements to walking and cycling facilities.

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Hildegarde Naughton TD, joined Santa Claus himself this morning to announce the 108 schools nationwide that will be included in the initiative.

Over 37,000 students benefit from safer infrastructure and encourage them to cycle, walk and wheel to school.

Hildegarde Naughton TD said she is delighted to be able to bring some festive cheer to schools nationwide by confirming that thousands of more children will soon benefit from safer infrastructure which will allow them to walk, cycle and scoot to school every day.

“In recent months I have had the privilege of visiting schools across the country and have seen first-hand the positive impact that Safe Routes to School projects are having on our children’s daily lives,” said the Galway West TD.

“During these visits the message was loud and clear that there is a huge appetite for the continued rollout of the Safe Routes to School Programme in our villages, towns, and cities across the country. Now, having secured the necessary funding as part of Budget 2023, it is great to see the programme continue to go from strength to strength.

“My ambition is that every child in Ireland will have the option to make their daily commute to the classroom by foot, bicycle or scooter in a way that they are safe and protected; one that I am confident is shared amongst children, their parents, teachers and the wider school community.”

The programme is funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority (NTA) and is supported by the Department of Education.

€20m has been allocated for projects included in Round 2 with the funds coming from each local authority’s annual allocation for Active Travel works.

First Christmas on call for Galway RNLI crew members

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December 12, 2022

galway daily news First Christmas on call for Galway RNLI crew members

Six Galway RNLI lifeboat crew will be waiting for the call to drop their festivities and head out to sea over Christmas for the first time this year.

Aaron O’Reilly, James Corballis, Aaron Connolly, Sean McLoughlin, Ian Claxton and Shane Austin will be among the lifeboat crew keeping their pager close this Christmas.

During the festive period from Christmas Eve to New Year’s Day over the last five years from 2017-2021, RNLI lifeboats in the Irish region launched 55 times and brought 43 people to safety.

In Galway last year, lifeboats at Clifden, the Aran Islands and Galway launched 56 times, bringing 77 people to safety.

Galway RNLI crew member Ian Claxton is originally from Dublin but has lived in Galway city for 15 years. A father of four, it was his love of the ocean that drew him to the RNLI two years ago.

“I was a lifeguard when I was younger and I am an experienced sea swimmer and was part of a team that swam around the Island of Ireland in 2006 raising €70,000 for the RNLI.”

“I also coach with the Blue Fin swimming club and am a member of Galway’s vibrant open water swimming community so I wanted to give something back and do something that could make an impact within the community.”

1 of 6

While Ian joined the crew in 2020, due to the pandemic and the impact on training and assessments, it wasn’t until this year that he received his pager.

“It has been a great experience and I have learned a lot,” he continued. “I didn’t have much experience previously around boats as I was more in the water than on it, but the RNLI training has been exceptional, and I am always learning something new.”

“I have been on two call outs to date and have found that there is a great bond between the crew when you are on the lifeboat,” Ian added.

“It’s exciting as the adrenalin kicks in and then the training kicks which makes everyone feel safe and in control and there is always a lot of communication happening between crew on the lifeboat and the station which is great.”

But these rescues would not be possible without donations from the RNLI’s generous supporters, helping to fund the essential kit, training and equipment needed by lifeboat crews all year round.

To make a donation to the RNLI’s Christmas Appeal to support their lifesaving work, go to RNLI.org/Xmas.

“Even at Christmas, our lifesavers are ready to drop everything at a moment’s notice and rush to the aid of someone in trouble on the water,” Ian states.

“At this time of year, the weather is at its worst and lives are on the line. We know that every time our crews go out, they hope for a good outcome, but sadly this sometimes isn’t the case.”

“There’s no feeling quite like bringing someone home safe to their families – especially at Christmas. As lifeboat crew we couldn’t rescue people without kind donations from the public which fund the kit, training and equipment we need to save others and get home safely to our families.”

Green light for new café & coffee shop in vacant city centre store

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December 12, 2022

Galway Daily news Approval sought to convert shuttered Miss Selfridge to restaurant use — The now vacant premises at Edward Square were formerly a Miss Selfridge store up to 2019.

Planning permission has been granted to convert a vacant city centre store to a new café and coffee shop.

The city council has approved plans by Camiveo Ltd to change the permitted use of No. 6 Edward Square from retail to restaurant.

The store, next to Dunnes Stores and Eyre Square Shopping Centre, was formerly a Miss Selfridge outlet.

It has been vacant since 2019, since Miss Selfridge become one of the first casualties among retail outlets in Ireland when its UK parent company, Arcadia Ltd, ran into financial problems.

A cover letter for this application stated that no food will be prepared on site, and it is envisaged that the business will operate similar to cafés such as Starbucks or Costa.

It will involve both sit-in and takeaway options for coffee, sandwiches, pastries, salads, etc.

A report by the council planning inspector noted that this is one of the smallest units within Edwards Square, and would be suitable for restaurant use, as it may not be large enough for many retail operators.

“It is therefore considered that the use of the unit in question as a restaurant would not compromise the potential for attracting retail operators to Edward Square”.

Planning permission was granted by Galway City Council with nine standard conditions attached.

Water outages in Moylough to last into Monday night

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December 12, 2022

Galway daily news Water outages in multiple areas of Galway due to burst mains

Moylough and surrounding areas of the county will experience water outages until Monday night due a burst mains.

Irish Water and the County Council are carrying out repair works in the north Galway village.

This is causing outages to Annaghmore West, Springlawn, Creggaurs, Cooloo Mountain, Carrowkeel.

The Elmhill and Mullaghmore Group Water Schemes have also been affected by this.

Repair works are currently expected to continue until 9pm on Monday night.

It can take 2 -3 hours after works are completed before people see their water supply fully restored.

Updates can be found on Irish Water’s supply and service website page.

Milestone for Salmon Weir Bridge as main span installed

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December 12, 2022

Galway Daily news Milestone for Salmon Weir Bridge as main span installed — Photo: Galway City Council via Facebook

In a milestone for Galway City, the main span of the new Salmon Weir Pedestrian and Cycling Bridge has been installed.

The 55 metre long span of the bridge, one of three, which goes over the main body of the Corrib, was lifted into place this morning.

The bridge from Newtownsmith to Galway Cathedral/Gaol Road will reduce the level of pedestrians and bicycles on the old Salmon Weir Bridge, which was never designed for the amount of traffic using it daily.

The bridge will also enhance links between the core city centre area and the University Hospital Galway, University of Galway, the Cathedral and Nuns Island.

It is expected that the new bridge will open to traffic in the summer of 2023.

This project is funded by the National Transport Authority, and the European Regional Development Fund.

Galway sees temperatures hit -8 degrees in nationwide low

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December 12, 2022

Galway County saw the lowest temperatures in Ireland over the weekend, as cold weather brought ongoing freezing conditions.

For the past two days, the Athenry weather station has recorded temperatures plummeting to -8 degrees overnight and into the morning on Saturday and Sunday.

This is lower than was recorded by any other monitoring station in Ireland.

A Status Yellow warning for low temperatures and ice will remain in effect throughout the country until Friday afternoon.

There will be widespread severe frosts and icy stretches Met Eireann has said, with some showers of hail and sleet in coastal areas.

Galway is also under a Status Orange warning for freezing fog until midnight, which will create hazardous driving conditions.

Online hub for new mums launched by UHG Maternity Department

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December 12, 2022

The Maternity Department at UHG has introduced a new online hub which provides support, advice to new mums on postnatal services that are available both in the hospital and the community.

The ‘New Mums Virtual Wellbeing Hub’ team includes a range of healthcare pofessionals, including a midwife, social worker, paediatrician, GP and pharmacist.

The virtual hub is live on the third Tuesday of every month at 11am and booking is available via www.ughmaternity.com.

Carmel Connolly, Clinical Nurse Manger 2 and Project Lead, said yhe lack of support and connection, change in identity and unrealistic expectations of parenthood due to the influence of social media has effected maternal wellbeing.

She said that feeling overwhelmed, exhausted and lonely is not uncommon.

“Listening to our mothers concerns led to the design of this new service. Mothers need to connect with other mothers. There is a real fatigue and loneliness after giving birth for many women.

“They need consistent, evidenced-based information and signposting to services available to them in Galway.”

Ms Connolly said that they launched the hub in November and had 19 couples in attendance.

“It is so reassuring to see the difference the hub has already created in the lives of mothers and their families,” she said.

“There has already been increased referrals to Physiotherapy, Lactation Consultant and Urogynaecology Specialists. Mothers have connected with these services as a direct result of attending the wellbeing hub.”

One mother who attended the hub said that it “was lovely to be able to connect with other mothers.”

“I was having breastfeeding issues and I knew who to contact after the hub. It is reassuring to see the healthcare team from the hospital and the community working together. It is a fantastic service.”

Another mother said: “I wish this service was available after my first baby. I did not know what was normal.

“I was so down in myself and was embarrassed to look for help. I picked up lots of skills from the Clinical Psychologist. I am very grateful for the support of this hub.”

Man arrested as Gardaí uncover another large cannabis growhouse

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December 12, 2022

A man has been arrested after Gardaí from Tuam and Swinford seized cannabis worth around €227,000 in the Charlestown area of Mayo.

Gardaí, along with their colleagues in the Mayo Divisional Drugs Unit and Armed Support Unit, searched a house in Charlestown on Sunday.

During the search, a growhouse was discovered containing cannabis plants which Gardaí valued at €227,200, pending further analysis.

A man aged in his late 20s was arrested at the scene and conveyed to Castlebar Garda Station where he is currently detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996.

Orange warning for freezing fog as hazardous driving conditions expected

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December 12, 2022