Another weather warning issued on final night of cold snap

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December 17, 2022

Galway Daily news Renewed appeal for information on 9th anniversary of murder

Gardaí have renewed their appeal for information on the murder of 29 year old Owen Maughan on the 9th anniversary of his death.

Maughan was fatally wounded when he was shot at a service station on the Moneen Road, Castlebar, Co. Mayo at 3:30pm on Wednesday, December 18 of 2013.

Owen and his wife Anne lived locally. They were married for eight years and had a very close relationship.

Early on the morning of the day he was killed, the couple went into town to run a few errands.

Later that afternoon, they went home and Anne prepared lunch. Owen left to go to a nearby service station to fill up some water canisters.

While he was at the service station, a number of shots were fired from a car, fatally injuring the young man.

The car is described as a BMW Estate car which was graphite grey in colour, which is known to have been stolen.

Gardaí say that the car was stolen from a hotel near Dublin Airport on December 6, less than two weeks beforehand.

Gardaí believe this vehicle was in the Dublin area for some time after this and would have refuelled a number of times.

The registration of the car was 06G3981. However, it was fitted with cloned registration plates, with the number 09D30024.

After the shooting, the car is known to have gone out the Claremorris Road and was discovered two days later at Derryvohey in Mayo, having been destroyed by fire.

Despite extensive Garda enquiries, no arrests have been made in relation to this murder investigation.

Nine years on, Gardaí and Owens’ family are appealing for people to come forward to assist with the investigation.

Gardaí would encourage anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward to them.

Persons with information can contact Castlebar Garda Station on 094-9038200, the Garda Confidential Line 1800-666-111 or any Garda Station.

New digital Jury platform launched by courts service in Galway

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December 17, 2022

Galway Daily courts Man charged in connection

People in Galway can now make use of a new digital platform to answer a jury summons; to follow the status of their reply; and to catch real time updates on any changes to their jury service details.

The Courts Service has launched this new online portal in Galway following a trial programme in four counties in recent months.

The pilot has been a success and begins rolling out nationwide on a phased basis in late November, when it launched in Galway.

Courts Service CEO Angela Denning said, “To-date, within the four pilot counties, approximately 30% of people who responded to their Jury Summons did so using the new, online platform. This is higher than other systems internationally, and very high for a pilot scheme.”

“Encouragingly, feedback received from those who used the new platform has been positive”.

“The addition to our current paper-based system of a new, alternative digital platform is about offering people different options when responding to the jury summons”.

Ms Denning added that providing user-friendly options to engage with the courts service is at the the heart of their modernisation programme.

The platform will allow for 24/7 access to those who have received a summons, providing immediate updates on any changes in times, dates or jury cancellations, and immediate electronic responses to requests for excusals by people.

This new digital platform reduces the reliance on paper-based processes, and many outdated tech platforms, offering an improved customer service that is inclusive and provides for digital first solutions.

Speaking about potential benefits Ms Denning noted that they anticipate, “increased customer satisfaction and improved accessibility to our services.”

A centralised Jury Summons Office is now well-established in Castlebar, which helped with creating lean processes, and will help create a concentration of experience and knowledge over the years.

This helped the digital Jury project team in working to improve the current Jury system, with the new, online Jury platform.

The new platform has the potential to reduce the time of opening and handling of letters, and work hours dedicated to answering phone-calls freeing up staff for other front office, customer service and court duties.

No changes are being made to jury service selection, Jurors will continue to be selected at random from the register of electors. For further information on jury service please log onto courts.ie/jury-service.

Hidden cameras breed suspicion in Ros na Rún

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December 17, 2022

Galway Daily television Hidden cameras breed suspicion in Ros na Rún

Hidden cameras breed suspicion, Mack worries he’s moving too fast with Sonia, and Michelle will soon have to face Andy in court in Ros na Rún.

Réailtín is suspicious as to how Vera has knowledge of what is happening in Berni’s apartment.

Convinced that Vera is spying somehow, she puts a plan in motion to catch her, but will the shrewd woman fall for it.

Tadhg scoffs at Bobbi Lee’s plans of organizing stag events, but soon changes his tune when he sees how successful Sonia and Crystal’s hen night went.

The day of truth approaches for Michelle, as she will soon have to face Andy in court. But whose side will Berni be on?

Mack realises he may be rushing into things too quickly with Sonia and tries to talk to her about it, but will he just make things worse.

Tadhg, although not loving the fact that Noreen is now living with him, is happy that she provides regular wholesome meals. But will all this soon come to an end?

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

Work underway on Knock Airport upgrades

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December 17, 2022

Galway Daily news Work underway on Knock Airport upgrades

Work has gotten underway this month on the latest round of upgrades to Ireland West Airport at Knock.

As part of the ongoing Ireland West Airport Transformation programme, work has begun on resurfacing and upgrading parts of the airport car parking facilities.

The programme will also see maintenance works carried out on the Sláinte Restaurant upstairs at the airport.

The works will take place on a phased basis between December 2022 and March 2023 to ensure minimum disruption to passengers and users of the airport during the winter period.

The car park enhancement works include new Tarmacadam surfacing to the entirety of Car Park Zone B and resurfacing and reconfiguration works to Car Park Zone C at the airport.

Joe Gilmore, Managing Director of the airport said, ‘As the airport continues to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, this winter we are pleased to commence works on a number of important construction projects aimed at further improving the airport’s facilities and services for our customers.”

He said that 2022 has seen Knock Airport recover to 90% of its pre-pandemic traffic levels, with 720,000 people expected to pass through the airport by year’s end.

“Next year we are expecting to grow passenger numbers further and to facilitate this expansion we are enhancing and improving areas like our car parks to ensure we continue to provide the very best facilities for our loyal customer base”.

Some airport parking zones will be closed while these upgrade works are ongoing.

Fibre broadband now available for 2,400 homes in Ballinasloe area

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December 17, 2022

Galway Daily news Fibre broadband now available for 2,400 homes in Ballinasloe area

More than 2,400 homes and businesses in Ballinasloe and surrounding villages are now able to connect to high-speed fibre broadband.

The new fibre network has been set up by National Broadband Ireland, the company rolling out the national broadband plan on behalf of the government.

Homes, businesses and farms in places such as Ahascragh, Kilconnell, Kellysgrove and Kiltormer can also avail of fibre broadband.

Peter Hendrick, Chief Executive of NBI, said that they’ve already seen a large uptake on their fibre connections in Ballinasloe already.

“The best way for people who live or run a business in the area to check their eligibility is to visit the National Broadband Ireland website.”

“A connection to our network will enable users to experience the life-changing benefits that high-speed broadband provides.”

Under the National Broadband Plan, some 40,000 properties in Galway are included in the targeted areas, with a total investment of €153 million.

As a wholesale network operator, National Broadband Ireland does not sell fibre broadband directly to end users.

Rather it enables services from a range of broadband providers or Retail Service Providers (RSPs).

Connacht fixtures for Vodafone Women’s Interpro Championship

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December 17, 2022

Galway Daily sport Connacht fixtures for Vodafone Women’s Interpro Championship

Dates, locations, and kick-off times have been confirmed for Connacht’s three games in the Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Championship.

The Connacht Women will play one game each against Leinster, Ulster, and Munster next month, starting in the first week of the new year.

The side begin their campaign on Saturday January 7 with an away tie against Leinster at Energia Park (k/o 2.30pm).

This will be followed by another trip the following week to face Ulster on Saturday January 14 at Kingspan Stadium (k/o 2.30pm).

Connacht’s sole home game will then be held on Saturday January 21 at The Sportsground against Munster, with that one kicking off at 1pm.

All of Connacht’s games will be covered live on television, with TG4 broadcasting the first and third matches, while the second will be on BBC NI.

VODAFONE WOMEN’S INTERPROVINCIAL FIXTURES

Round 1 – Saturday January 7, 2023

Leinster v Connacht, Energia Park, 14:30 (TG4);
Munster v Ulster Musgrave Park, 16:45 (TG4).

Round 2 – Saturday January 14, 2023

Munster v Leinster, Musgrave Park, 12:15 (TG4);
Ulster v Connacht, Kingspan Stadium, 14:30 (BBC NI).

Round 3 – Saturday January 21, 2023

Connacht v Munster, The Sportsground, 13:00 (TG4)
Ulster v Leinster, Queen’s University Upper Malone, 17:30 (BBC NI)

Moving poem pays tribute to Private Seán Rooney

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December 16, 2022

galway daily news irish soldier poem sean rooney

Local senator Gerard Craughwell has endorsed a poem dedicated to Private Seán Rooney who was killed in Lebanon this week.

Sergeant John O’Brien’s poem An Irish Soldier discusses Private Rooney and the sacrifices made by those who serve in the Defence Forces.

Senator Craughwell said the poem will resonate with anyone who has ever served their country.

“I can’t take any credit for this tribute,” he said. “But I believe this poem is very powerful.”

An Irish Soldier by CQMS John O’Brien

Sure, what do you do at work?
What does a soldier do?
Why do we even need an Army?

How many times have I been asked that question or heard it on the airwaves
asked by self-serving broadcasters who are really just failed politicians or failed businessmen?

What it means to be an Irish soldier has been shown today by a 23-year-old lad from Dundalk,
when he stood up and, in typical military style, joined the stand taken by his father before him,
and his Uncles, and like all within the job, he took a stand to say “I will be there”.

An Irish soldier will be there and has always been there.
Irish soldiers have stood tall in the Congo, East Timor,
Bosnia, Kosovo and once again have stood tall in Lebanon.

We don’t dance around with the tricolour on St Patrick’s Day,
we wear it every day,
we stand to attention as the flag is raised,
we stand and watch as the flag is saluted,
and then lowered that evening.

An Irish soldier stands when he is called without quibble or question
and his resolve is tested when he swings up his arms.

Foot and Mouth — call the Army.
Heavy weather warnings — call the Army.
Flood disaster — call the Army.
COVID testing — call the Army.
Airport crisis — call the Army.
Refugees need a camp — use the Army.
And every night in every Barracks in the Country, who stands at the post…an Irish soldier.

They question whether we’re needed but call us whenever we’re needed.
We stand, and we answer the call like we have been given a call to arms.

Our training, our professionalism, our drill, and our dress.
The standard is set by a brotherhood and loyalty to one another, not the government of the day.
The politicians who won’t fight for our simplest of needs promise white papers and reform.

A soldier is reliable but not to his family.
Can I guarantee I will be around this weekend? Not always.
“I will go overseas; it’s got a financial gain; it will help us at Christmas.”

Conversations are had by so many Comrades as they discuss military life.
Now the conversations have changed,
“Why did you join the Army?”
At one time, it was a viable career,
because it had prospects for promotion,
and because it’s a family tradition.

You become a brotherhood who stand as a defensive line in Riot gear.
You stand together in best dress to pay respects in a Guard of Honour.
You stand side by side on a gun line as mortar bombs fly.
You stand in memorial as a Comrade is laid down.

So whenever you’re asked, what do I do as an Irish Soldier?
I stand ready; I take my place in line and wait to be called to do what’s needed.

Pte Sean Rooney stood ready, took the call and did what he did
because he was and forever will be an Irish Soldier.
God bless you, soldier.
Your duty is done.

Rest in Peace.

Galway City Council signs contract for new HQ building

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December 16, 2022

Galway Daily news Grants available to community groups in Galway City affected by COVID

Galway City Council has signed a contract to purchase a building in the Crown Square development in Mervue, which will serve as the Council’s new headquarters.

The council confirmed today that the sale will be completed over the coming weeks.

As part of the relocation of services in early 2024, the council will engage in ongoing public information for customers and the public.

A project team to progress the fit out and move to the new offices is currently being finalised and will be put in place early in 2023.

A working group comprising representation from all service areas within the Council and led by corporate services will also be established after the Christmas break.

The new civic building will create a modern, fit for purpose, energy-efficient headquarters for the City Council, with greater public display and service areas.

It will also have a larger Council chamber allowing for greater attendance by the public and the media, and on-site meeting facilities for both staff and elected members.

The golden rules for online shopping as Gardaí report increase in fraud

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December 16, 2022

Gardaí have issued a number of ‘golden rules’ for online shopping in the run-up to Christmas.

Victims can be defrauded in a number of ways, including items not being delivered, and counterfeit goods being delivered.

Fraudsters can also make their own purchases with the victim’s credit or debit card if they have their details.

Between 1 January and 31 October this year, 550 instances of online shopping fraud were reported to An Garda Síochána.

The average loss was €1,537 per incident, representing an overall loss to Irish citizens of over €845,000.

The business community is frequently targeted by fraudsters using stolen or compromised credit cards, bank accounts or payments, in what is called card not present fraud.

Businesses who are victims of this fraud will suffer losses under the ‘charge back’ process.

In the first 10 months of 2022, 1,356 card not present frauds were reported to Gardaí, with victims losing a total of €1,300,500.

Golden rules for online shopping

Buy from trusted sources. Make sure the website you are on is real, and not cloned or fake.

Make sure there is an “https” at the beginning of the web address and a padlock symbol displayed beside the URL before the purchase is made – this indicates a secure connection. URL stands for Uniform Resource Locator. A URL is nothing more than the address of a given unique resource on the Web.

Look for the trust seals to determine the website is real. Trust seals are commonly placed on homepages, login pages, and checkout pages. They’re immediately recognizable and they remind visitors that they are secure on this page. You can click on them to see if they are real.

Know the website’s policy on refunds and know your consumer rights. They are protected if proper site used

Where selling platforms offer an official, safe way of paying, use this rather than sending money directly to a third party – otherwise use an online payment option such as PayPal, which helps to protect you.

Check their payment methods – it should be credit cards. Never transfer money direct or pay cash. Ensure data transfer is secure.

If a website is asking you to send money to a random PayPal address, wire it by Western Union, pay in iTunes gift cards or only deals in cryptocurrency, that should send up a red flag. The majority of the time, those methods are done to avoid scrutiny and ensure that a transaction can’t be reversed.

Don’t enter into off site communication for a lower cash price.

Never purchase through social media or where the ‘offer’ came to you via social media.

Do not under any circumstances use public Wi-Fi when making payments – switch to 3G/4G on your phone if necessary.

Independently visit the website of the online sales company as opposed to clicking on social media or pop-up adverts.

Galway scientists identify Parkinson’s biomarkers

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December 16, 2022

Scientists at University of Galway have identified a set of biomarkers which can distinguish patients with Parkinson’s disease from those not affected.

Biomarkers are biological molecules found in blood, other body fluids, or tissues that are a sign of a normal or abnormal process, or of a condition or disease.

The research was led by Professor Adrienne Gorman, who said that it brings us one step closer to improving Parkinson’s disease diagnosis.

The study provides a new direction for research towards a blood-based test, which combined with current approaches, would improve the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.

Parkinson’s disease is a condition that is primarily associated with the loss of motor function, such as the use of muscles and movement of limbs, due to the degeneration and death of nerves that control movement.

When nerves start to die they send stress signals to the surrounding neurons and distal tissues by releasing stress-regulated proteins.

Dr Katarzyna Mnich, the first author on the paper, said: “For that reason we were looking for markers in blood of Parkinson’s disease patients that would indicate neuronal stress.”

The research found that four stress-regulated proteins – PDIA1; PDIA3; MANF; and clusterin – enable us to distinguish Parkinson’s disease patients from those not affected by this disease.

Dr Shirin Moghaddam, the co-author on the paper, said: “The next step is to translate our findings to a clinical diagnostic test.

“This requires validation of the biomarker panel in further independent cohorts to evaluate the test sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.”

The study was funded by Enterprise Ireland Innovation Partnership Programme and it was conducted in collaboration with University Hospital Galway, University of Limerick and Randox Teoranta.

Galway and Roscommon ETB raise cost of living concerns with Oireachtas members

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December 16, 2022

Galway daily news Galway Roscommon ETB meeting tds

Members of the Oireachtas met with representatives from Galway and Roscommon ETB at a special briefing event to discuss how the cost-of-living crisis is impacting the education sector.

TDs heard how the current school meal scheme allowance is unrealistic and is causing the scheme to be unworkable.

Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI) called on the government to revise the programme, as a number of ETB schools have reported that current suppliers cannot provide the food to schools at the current rates.

There has been no revision of the allowance rates in over ten years.

David Leahy, Chief Executive of Galway and Roscommon ETB, said that with the current cost of living crisis, they are concerned for the welfare of their students and learners.

He said they want to do everything they can to ensure that the students can continue to participate fully in their education.

“We are thankful for the opportunity to be able to speak with TDs and Senators and to have our concerns listened to,” said Mr Leahy.

“From the rising cost of fuel impacting those reliant on cars and lifts from others, to the increase in costs for goods and services affecting the sustainability of the school meals scheme – there are a number of significant challenges arising from the cost of living crisis that are a source of anxiety for learners and families, and we hope that action can be taken by the government to alleviate some of these concerns.”

Paddy Lavelle, Chief Executive of Education and Training Boards Ireland, said that of the main concerns raised was the current school meals scheme.

“A substantial meal in the middle of the day is so important, not just for a child’s nutrition but for their mental and physical wellbeing as well,” he said.

“Many ETB schools across the country running the school meals scheme have reported better attendance rates and a reduction in the number of students arriving late. For some children, this may be the only hot meal they get in a day – so it is vital that we do everything we can to ensure that this scheme stays viable.

“There has been no review of the maximum rate of payment under this scheme in over a decade, and we are calling on the government for an urgent review of this.

“With rising costs across everything from fuel to food – it is not possible for suppliers to provide meals to schools at the current rates.

“This is causing issues with tendering – as suppliers are no longer applying for school meal tenders, and the suppliers in place are withdrawing from the scheme to mitigate their losses.

“Funding needs to be adjusted in line with the significant cost increases and rising inflation, so that the scheme can continue to run.”

Yellow weather warning for Galway as cold snap nears end

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December 16, 2022

galway daily news yellow warning for galway for ice

Met Éireann has issued a 24-hour yellow warning for Galway today with sub-zero temperatures forecast for parts of the county.

There will be icy conditions in some areas as showers gradually track south-eastwards over Ireland.

The forecasters say some of the showers will be of freezing rain, sleet and possibly snow.

Motorists are being urged to take care as untreated roads and paths may be treacherous in places.

The status yellow warning is likely to be the last of this cold snap, with temperatures rising over the weekend.

But early indications are that temperatures will fall to below 0 degrees once again over the Christmas weekend.

70 patients on trolleys at Galway hospitals today

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December 16, 2022

Seventy people are without a bed today at University Hospital Galway and Portiuncula University Hospital according to figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO).

Of those, 53 people are on trolleys at UHG, and 17 at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe.

Nationally, 561 patients are without a bed as overcrowding remains rampant in hospitals across the country.

The INMO has sought an urgent meeting with the Minister for Health following a report published by HIQA this week.

The report found that hospitals are under enormous pressure due to capacity issues and unsafe staffing.

The INMO said that emergency measures are now needed to prevent the unnecessary continuation of these inhumane and undignified conditions for patients and really unhealthy working conditions for nurses and midwives and other healthcare workers.

Over 12,600 people were without a bed in Irish hospitals last month, in what was the worst November on record for hospital overcrowding.

Olympic rower to ‘brave the cold’ once again for COPE Galway’s annual Christmas Swim

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December 16, 2022

galway daily news cope galway christmas swim

Olympic medallist Fiona Murtagh will brave the cold once again this year in COPE Galway’s annual Christmas Swim.

The rower has been dipping in Salthill every year since 2011, along with fellow rowers, friends and family members.

Speaking this week from her winter training camp in Sabaudia, Italy, Fiona said that as life becomes so busy, and friends, including herself, reside outside of Galway, they may not see each other from one Christmas to the next.

She said that getting to see everyone at the swim on Christmas Day has become a tradition she looks forward to each year.

Fiona Murtagh recalls the original foursome back in 2011 – her junior rowing coach Rory O’Brien and his daughter Meabh would collect Fiona and fellow teammate Ruth Cummins at around 10am Christmas Day.

“We’d drive to Blackrock for the swim, then stop for coffee on the way home. As the years progressed, other teammates would either join us for the swim or come meet us at Blackrock to say hello,” she said.

“It became a lovely opportunity to meet friends on Christmas Day, while supporting such a wonderful organisation as COPE Galway.”

You can register online for the COPE Galway Christmas Swim to “swim where you are” any time between 20-26 December or to attend a “wave” at the Blackrock event on Christmas Day between 9am and 1pm. To register and for further information and safety tips, visit copegalway.ie/swim or phone 091 77 87 50

The annual event Galway raises essential funds that have a direct and positive impact on the lives of vulnerable families and individuals in Galway.

Last year, COPE Galway supported 2,885 people in Galway city and county across their homeless, domestic abuse and senior support services.

COPE Galway’s Lynia O’Brien, who organises this annual community event said, they never cease to be bowled over by the local support for the Christmas Swim.

“This year, we see more work teams are registering, along with the traditional family, friend and school groups, to take on the challenge and brave the cold so others don’t have to.

“As Fiona indicated, facing the cold and wet together has become a great bonding experience!

“It’s also a reminder that while Christmas day is about being with people you love, it’s also about remembering and supporting the increasing numbers of people in our community who are struggling this winter.”

Orange weather warning in effect for Galway this evening

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December 15, 2022

Galway Daily weather weather warning for low temperature and ice

Another Orange weather warning for temperatures well below freezing, along with ice and freezing fog, is in effect for Galway this evening.

Met Eireann has put in place the Status Orange Low Temperature/Ice warning for Galway, Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Cavan, Monaghan, Clare, Cork, Limerick, Tipperary, and Roscommon.

It will be extremely cold on Thursday night, with temperatures below -5 degrees expected widely away from coastal areas.

This will bring with it severe frost and ice, creating hazardous driving conditions, which will be made worse by freezing fog.

The Orange warning is in effect from 6pm on Thursday until noon on Friday.

A Status Yellow warning which has been in effect for the entire cold snap since last weekend will also expire at the same time tomorrow.

Galway has seen some of the coldest temperatures in the country over the past few days, with -8 degrees seen on multiple nights inland.

Galway business wins coveted Innovation award

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December 15, 2022

Galway Daily business Galway business wins coveted Innovation award

An Oranmore business has scooped a coveted national award from InterTradeIreland for their commitment to innovation.

Atlantic Prosthetic Orthotic Solutions (APOS) is one of six businesses in the country to receive the innovation award from the cross-border business body.

In business for over two decades, the firm manufactures prosthetic and orthotic products, including prosthetics to replace lower and upper limbs, such as shoulders and hands.

The project with InterTradeIreland’s Innovation Boost programme involved funding for a graduate to work in the business, as well as providing a partnership with Queen’s University Belfast to build additive manufacturing and 3D printing capabilities into the business.

General Manager Darren Mathews says participation in the Innovation Boost programme has made a real difference to the firm.

“We’ve always been a very customer focused company and we always will be, but this type of collaboration has given us even more confidence to go out and seek further solutions for our clients.”

“I’d recommend Innovation Boost to anyone who wants to focus on research and development to move their business forward. We’ve embedded what we’ve learned into the business and we will continue to innovate.”

InterTradeIreland has been helping small businesses in Ireland and Northern Ireland explore new cross-border markets, develop new products, processes and services and become investor ready for over two decades.

Based in Newry, the agency’s services include supporting sales growth and innovation, as well as providing funding for SMEs that are looking to expand.

Janet Toal, Innovation Manager at InterTradeIreland said, “APOS are to be congratulated. They have now built innovative processes into their business, which enables them to take a strategic approach to business growth.”

“This has helped to future-proof their business. InterTradeIreland is delighted to award APOS Exemplar Status.”

“It is important that we recognise the success of APOS, which we hope will encourage other SMEs to participate in the Innovation Boost programme. It’s easy to apply for and can improve productivity and increase revenue potential.”

Almost 6,000 caught speeding in Christmas road safety operation

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December 15, 2022

galway daily news Galway driver among worst speeding offences caught over Bank Holiday weekend

There have been 260 people arrested on suspicion of drink driving since the start of December in Ireland, as part of Gardaí’s Christmas road safety operation.

The nationwide operation has also seen almost 6,000 people caught speeding, and 391 detected using a phone while driving.

The Christmas and New Year’s road safety operation focuses on four ‘lifesaver’ offences of: driving while intoxicated, using a phone, speeding, not having a seatbelt on.

To date, 152 people have lost their lives on Ireland’s roads. This is 25 more than on the same date in 2021. Some 1,156 collisions causing serious injury have also occurred.

Speaking today, Inspector Ross O’Doherty of the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau said “There has very sadly been a further rise in road fatalities over the past seven days.”

“Motorists and all road users can help Gardaí reduce the risk of serious or fatal road traffic collisions, but we need everyone to be more aware of just how easily collisions can happen.”

“All it can take is a split second of distraction. One poor decision or error when driving so we ask that people take extra caution, particularly as the weather conditions will make driving more difficult.”

He added that as people celebrate over Christmas and New Year’s, it is essential to make travel arrangements if you plan on drinking while out.

Inspector Ross also warned that people should avoid driving the following morning, saying that so far this month, 37 people have been arrested for driving while intoxicated between 6am and 2pm.

Data compiled over the past twelve years indicates that the highest risk time for fatal or serious road traffic collisions during the Christmas period is between 12 noon and 9pm.

More than half of crashes detected over Christmas happen within this time period, with 21% happening in the window of 3pm – 6pm.

“This Christmas period is one of the busiest on Ireland’s roads and Gardaí are out nationwide conducting checkpoints and other operational activity so we remind drivers to never take a risk. It is never worth it.”

An Garda Síochána is advising the public to heed the weather warnings issued by Met Éireann and to follow news bulletins for regular updates on conditions into this weekend

City Centre street closing for three more months

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December 15, 2022

A street in Galway City Centre will be closed for a further three months in the new year while roadworks are taking place.

The city council has given notice that Newtownsmith will remain closed from January 4 to March 31 next year.

The street is currently shut while the new Salmon Weir pedestrian and cycling bridge is being installed.

The street, from the junction with R863 to entrance to the Mercy Convent carpark, will then remain shut while the road and footpath and being rebuilt.

Temporary diversion routes will be in place via Mary Street (L-5096) and St. Francis Street (R866).

The construction of the new Salmon Weir pedestrian bridge took a major step forward last week, when the main span of the bridge was lifted into place.

It’s expected that the new bridge will open in the summer of next year, making travel in the city centre far easier for people walking and cycling.

Galway to have three guaranteed seats on board of Údarás na Gaeltachta

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December 15, 2022