Yet another world ranking for Galway’s Dough Bros pizza

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November 25, 2022

Galway Daily news New timetable adds stops on Galway train services

Rail trail between Galway and Dublin this weekend will be doubly affected by work at Ceannt Station, and on the line, both of which will cause disruption.

Multiple trains will be operating with bus transfers for part of their journey, Irish Rail has said, and some trains have also been moved forward.

The following services have been affected by engineering works at Ceannt Station in Galway this weekend.

Saturday, November 26

06:25 Galway to Dublin Heuston will be bus transfers direct from Galway to Athenry, train departing at 06:42 from Athenry to Dublin Heuston – Note: Buses will depart Galway at 06:00
17:30 Dublin Heuston to Galway will operate to Athenry only, bus transfers from Athenry to Oranmore and Galway

Sunday, November 27

16:35 Dublin Heuston to Galway will operate to Athenry only, bus transfers direct from Athenry to Galway
13:00 Galway to Dublin Heuston is advanced to 12:35 and will be bus transfers direct from Galway to Athenry, train departing at 13:18 from Athenry to Dublin Heuston
19:25 Galway to Athlone is advanced to 19:00 and will be bus transfers direct from Galway to Athenry, second bus transfer from Galway to Oranmore and Athenry, train departing at 19:43 from Athenry to Athlone

Engineering works will also be taking place on the line between Heuston Station and Inchicore this Sunday, which will affect two trains that day.

08:00 Dublin Heuston to Galway will operate as bus transfers from Dublin Heuston to Kildare and Portarlington, train at 09:15 from Portarlington to Galway
11:00 Galway to Dublin Heuston is deferred to 11:25

Nominations sought for Galway Garda Youth Awards

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November 25, 2022

Galway Daily news Nominations sought for Galway Garda Youth Awards

Nominations are now open for the 4th annual Garda Youth awards in Galway.

The Garda Youth Awards celebrate the achievements of young people aged 13 – 21 who are active in their community, school, or who have overcome great difficulty in their life.

The Galway Garda Division is seeking nominations for this year’s awards from schools, agencies, support groups, community groups, or any member of the public.

Nominations are open until December 16, and can be sent via email to ciara.m.moran@garda.ie.

All nominations received will go before a judging panel and the winners acknowledged at a ceremony on Thursday, February 23 of next year.

The committee actively encourages the public to consider those young people whom they consider deserving.

Green light for new CT Suite at Portiuncula Hospital

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November 25, 2022

galway daily news Green light for new CT Suite at Portiuncula Hospital

Planning permission has been granted for the retention, and completion, of a new CT Suite at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe.

The HSE has been given the green light by the county council to retain work done in the undercroft of the hospital to provide a new CT Suite, and to finish the works.

The undercroft in question was formed in the year 2000, when new operating theatres and an endoscopy department were built at the ground floor of Portiuncula Hospital.

It was chosen for the new CT Suite due to being easily accessible from outside; providing a level and fully accessible facility, and that a new lift and stairs can be located next to it.

The need for a new CT suite had been identified as a “critical medical requirement” for the hospital, and work began during the COVID pandemic based on this.

The new CT scanner arrived at the hospital in August of this year, after repeated breakdowns of the older scanning machine.

A design statement for the application said, “The urgency of the project due to the critical medical requirements of the hospital has required a proactive response in the delivery of the new facility”.

“We believe a rational solution to the Hospital’s expansion requirements has been provided and that bringing forward this phase of work will allow subsequent phases to take place with minimal impact on hospital activities.”

Planning permission for the development was granted by the county council with six standard conditions attached.

County senior hurling final replay – All you need to know

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November 25, 2022

Galway Daily sport County senior hurling final replay - All you need to know

Loughrea and St. Thomas will clash again this weekend in another effort to decide the 2022 County Senior Hurling title.

The final has gone to a replay after last weekend’s pulse-pounding game ended in a level 0-20 to 1-17 tie.

The replay match will take place in Pearse Stadium this Sunday, November 27, with throw in at 1pm.

Match tickets cost €15 for adults, or €10 for senior and students, while U16s go free. Get your tickets online here.

For those unable to make it in person, all the action will be livestreamed online for you to watch from home.

Galway hoteliers meet TDs and senators to discuss challenges ahead

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November 24, 2022

galway daily news hotel owneers with eamon o cuiv td — Éamon Ó Cuív TD and John Ryan, Ardilaun Hotel, Galway

Hotel and guest house owners in Galway met with local political representatives last week to discuss the challenges facing the tourism sector as 2023 approaches.

While there has been a welcome upturn in tourism this year, businesses throughout the country remain in recovery mode, having survived the worst economic shock in recent memory and who are now confronting skyrocketing energy costs and an expected global economic downturn in key markets next year.

Wayne Neilon, Chair of the Galway of the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF), outlined to Galway representatives the crucial importance that everything possible is done to protect and secure tourism livelihoods and support the long-term sustainable development of our wider tourism industry.

“Irish tourism businesses are collectively the largest indigenous employer in the country. Here in Galway, tourism accounts for 22100 of jobs, and €910m of revenue annually.

“Speaking with local TDs and Senators it is clear that they understand the value and importance of tourism to our local communities, but also the enormous impact multiple factors are having on these businesses, right now.”

Mr Neilon said that over recent months, unforeseen challenges have arisen including the continued war in Ukraine, the increasing risk of a global downturn, and escalating business costs and ongoing energy crisis.

He said that this crisis is causing real concern for hotels and guest houses here in Galway.

“Nationally we are seeing hotels reporting increases of upwards of 300% in energy bills compared with 2019 levels.

“This is unsustainable and will inevitably lead to difficulties in relation to future viability of some businesses in the tourism sector.”

Hoteliers also discussed with local political representatives the importance of the 9% Tourism VAT rate and how this is the right rate for the long-term sustainable development of Ireland’s largest indigenous industry, which in 2019 employed 270,000 people and returned over €2 billion to the exchequer in direct tourism-related taxes.

“The current 9% rate is the right rate for Irish tourism in a European context. Increasing the tourism VAT rate by half to 13.5% in March 2023 would make Ireland’s tourism VAT rate the third highest in Europe, far above other European countries where they take tourism seriously like Portugal (6%), Malta (7%) Netherlands (9%),” added Mr Neilon.

“Tourism is an important part of the local economy here in Galway and the continued recovery of tourism and hospitality must be to the fore of Government economic policy as we seek to support these businesses throughout these continued uncertain times.”

Specialist menopause clinic opens in University Hospital Galway

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November 24, 2022

Cllr Evelyn Parsons has welcomed confirmation that the specialist complex menopause clinic has commenced at University Hospital Galway.

The service became operational this week and is now accepting GP referrals for Galway and the HSE West Region.

A consultant, GP and administration support have been appointed, and a clinical nurse manager has also been recruited to work in the service.

The clinic will run for one afternoon per week, and it will see up to ten women with complex menopause needs who require clinical specialist management.

The majority of women with uncomplicated menopausal symptoms will continue to be managed by their own GPs, but Cllr Parsons said that some women with distinct complex needs will benefit greatly from referral to this new specialist menopause service.

In response to questions put by Cllr Parsons to the Regional Health Forum this week, A. Cosgrove, COO, Saolta University Health Care Group, confirmed that the service has now defined the referral criteria and letters regarding same have been sent to inform GPs.

“I am delighted to welcome the opening of the Specialist Menopause Clinic – the First Specialist Menopause Clinic for Women in the West Region – an essential service in my view and which I have raised repeatedly with the HSE,” said Independent Cllr Parsons.

“I welcome this hugely significant step forward for the care of women in the western region and it also will serve as a clinical support resource for GPs in the management of their patients.”

Delays to cost of living related pay increases to HCWs “unacceptable”

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November 24, 2022

Galway Daily news Plans submitted for community nursing unit at Merlin Park Hospital

Trade unions representing healthcare workers have called on the HSE to ensure that pay increases related to the cost of living are implemented immediately.

The ICTU group of healthcare trade unions have said that any further delay to the recently agreed pay increases for healthcare workers is unacceptable.

The unions say healthcare workers have not received any indication when they will receive the agreed increase, despite other members of the public sector having received payments.

Albert Murphy of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation said their members are incensed that they will not receive the terms of Building Momentum which was agreed between the Trade Unions and the Government in October 2022 as a response to the cost-of-living crisis.

“It is particularly galling that this is the case given that healthcare workers worked through the pandemic to keep the country safe and other public servants have received their money while nurses and midwives are other healthcare workers are once again being made wait,” he said.

Ashley Connolly, Forsa Trade Union said that their members are feeling the cost of living crisis like everyone else.

“We have an agreement with the Government and yet our employers are unable to confirm our members will be paid on time.

“This is not acceptable to the hundreds of thousands of healthcare workers who have provided invaluable service to this country.”

Kevin Figgis of SIPTU added that it is hugely frustrating for healthcare workers that yet again they are made to wait for agreements to be implemented by the HSE and other healthcare employers.

“Government must take all necessary measures to ensure that no healthcare worker is left short of money prior to Christmas, given the unprecedented cost of living crisis which affects everybody in this country.”

Best Christmas markets in the world ranked with Galway in top 10!

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November 24, 2022

Galway Daily news Galway Christmas Market closed due to Storm Bram

Galway City’s Christmas Market has been declared the eighth best in the world by popular travel magazine Big 7.

The Galway Continental Christmas Market at Eyre Square ranked ahead of some outstanding markets across continental Europe and further afield, including those in Singapore, Helsinki and New York.

Winter Wonders in Brussels topped the list, while Berlin’s world-famous Gendarmenmarkt came second.

best Christmas markets — Gendarmenmarkt in the German capital

Big 7 said that Galway is good-looking all year round, but particularly so when it’s festooned with fairy lights.

Now in its thirteenth year, the annual continental Christmas market is crammed full of more than 50 wooden cabins serving bratwurst, pretzels, crêpes and waffles.

There are also plans for a Big Wheel, carousel, Santa’s Grotto and a German Bier Keller this year.

Galway Christmas Market lasts until December 22 this year.

TOP 10 BEST CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN THE WORLD:

Winter Wonders – Brussels, Belgium
Gendarmenmarkt – Berlin, Germany
Christkindlmarket Chicago – Chicago, USA
Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market – Birmingham, England
Christmas Village Belvedere Palace – Vienna, Austria
Striezelmarket – Dresden, Germany
Krakow Christmas Market– Krakow, Poland
Galway Continental Christmas Market – Galway, Ireland
Zagreb Advent – Zagreb, Croatia
Sibiu Christmas Market – Sibiu, Romania

Conference on the Blue Economy to be held in Furbo

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November 24, 2022

galway daily news furbo conference blue economy udara na gaeltachta

On the 29 November, a conference on the Blue Economy will be held in Údarás na Gaeltachta’s head office in Na Forbacha as part of Asia Business Week.

The conference, focussing on Marine Innovation and Offshore Wind Energy, will examine developments in the Blue Economy in Ireland and internationally.

Among the speakers on wind energy at next week’s conference will be Martin Murray, CEO of Asia Matters and Séamus Mc Cabe, senior development director with Corio Generation.

Seán Mulvany, senior investment manager with the Irish Strategic Investment Fund, will take part in the panel discussion on marine innovation, along with Máire Ní Éinniú, Blue Economy specialist with Údarás na Gaeltachta.

Through their participation in Asia Business Week, Údarás na Gaeltachta aims to develop and strengthen connections between Asian countries and the west of Ireland, attract Asian investors to invest in businesses in the Gaeltacht and develop new markets for Gaeltacht companies.

Martin Murray, CEO of Asia Matters said that the Asia marketplace is responsible for half the world’s GDP, and that’s where Irish businesses should be focusing their energies on.

He said business across Asia is relationship-based, rather than the transactional way of doing things we are used to in the West.

“Any business wanting to expand in Asia, especially businesses in the west of Ireland, would benefit enormously from the invaluable knowledge and experience that our speakers will be sharing.”

Colm Ó Coisdealbha, Interim CEO of Údarás na Gaeltachta said: “This conference in Údarás na Gaeltachta is a great opportunity to examine the potential of the Blue Economy in the west of Ireland and to see that potential in an international context.

“Údarás na Gaeltachta has a deep understanding of the importance of strategic connections with organisations and companies all over the world.

“We welcome the opportunity to be involved with Asia Matters for Asia Business Week; speakers with a wealth of experience will share their knowledge and insights, and participants will certainly benefit from their attendance at the events throughout the week.”

Kylemore Abbey named 2022 Business of the Year by Galway Chamber

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November 24, 2022

Galway daily news kylemore abbey business awards

Kylemore Abbey has been named Business of the Year at the Galway Chamber Business Awards 2022, in association with the Shannon Airport Group.

The abbey was recognised for its “immense contribution to employment in Connemara” and for being a dynamic, sustainable business.

Almost 400 people were present for the event which saw ten awards handed out.

As well as the Business of the Year award, Kylemore Abbey was also recognised as the Best Small to Medium Enterprise.

Speaking about the Awards, Dermot Nolan, President of Galway Chamber, said it was ‘truly a delight’ to see so much of the Galway business community come together for this event.

“Our awards have always strived to bring the Galway corporate community together – from startups to multinationals,” he said.

“The size doesn’t matter, what matters is how you conduct your business. That has always been the ethos of these awards and it was once again reflected in those who were nominated and honoured on the night.”

The full list of award recipients

· Best Scale-up/ Growing Business, sponsored by Galway Technology Centre and WestBIC went to Buymedia.

· Excellence in Innovation, sponsored by EY was awarded to MedScan3D.

· Best Small to Medium Enterprise, sponsored by AIB, went to Kylemore Abbey.

· Best Customer Service, sponsored by Permanent TSB, was presented to Western Motors.

· The Marketing Excellence Award, sponsored by Galway City Council, was picked up by Citylink.

· The Award for Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion, sponsored by Galway City Council, went to Eye Cinema.

· The Culture and Creativity Award, sponsored by Galway Culture Company, was presented to Galway Community Circus.

· The Award for Sustainability Initiative, sponsored by Shannon Airport, went to HID.

· The President’s Award, sponsored by PwC, was presented to Garry Hynes, Artistic Director of Druid.

· The Business of the Year, sponsored by The Shannon Airport Group, went to Kylemore Abbey.

Shots fired at house in Galway city yesterday evening

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November 24, 2022

Galway Daily news missing teen found safe

A number of shots were fired at a house in an estate in Galway City yesterday evening.

Gardaí were called to a house in Corrach Buí, Westside, at around 7.20pm on Wednesday.

The shots caused damage to the property, but nobody was injured during the incident.

Gardaí are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the shooting.

More to follow

Delight as Penneys opens revamped store in Galway city creating 180 new jobs

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November 24, 2022

galway daily news penneys galway city eyre square

Penneys has opened its newly revamped store in the heart of Galway city, following a €20 million investment by the retailer.

Located in the Eyre Square Shopping Centre, the renovated store is 50% bigger with the addition of a new lower ground floor.

The revamp is part of the retailer’s commitment to invest €250 million in Ireland over the next ten years.

The store is now 45,000 sq. ft across two floors and features a brand-new ‘Nails @ Penneys’ beauty salon.

Galway daily news new penneys galway city — Mayor of Galway Cllr Clodagh Higgins who was first to have her nails done at the Nail Bar in the store.
Photo:Andrew Downes.

To support the expansion and with the busy Christmas season coming, Penneys has created 180 new jobs, with 50 permanent and 130 temporary roles.

The store will now employ a total of 355 people. As part of Penneys’ focus on developing its own people and creating internal opportunities for growth, 14 new department managers have also been promoted internally from the existing store team.

Head of Penneys, Damien O’Neill, said they are delighted to complete this major extension and renovation of the Eyre Square store, just in time for the busy Christmas season ahead.

“We are committed to providing the best in-store experience to our customers, so this refreshed store with a new lower ground floor space allows us to showcase an expanded product range, offering even more great-value fashion and essentials to people in Galway, including a new beauty salon,” said Damien.

“We are proud to continue to play our part in supporting Irish towns and communities and to investing in Irish retail.”

Mayor of Galway, Cllr Clodagh Higgins, has today welcomed Penney’s expansion: “Penneys has expanded its premises and in doing so they have created 180 new jobs, which is a huge investment for Galway.

“It demonstrates the strength and continued growth of Penneys with this €20 million investment and it’s a testament to their place in the Irish market.

“Furthermore, it highlights the attractiveness of Galway for investment from important home-grown international retailers.”

Plans submitted to build new Gort National School

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November 23, 2022

Galway Daily news Almost 1,000 Ukrainian pupils enrolled in Galway schools

Plans have been submitted to the county council for the construction of a completely new Gort National School.

The school’s board of management is seeking planning permission to demolish the existing school buildings on the Tubber Road, Gort.

In their place it is intended to build a new two-storey primary school, with a total floor space of 2,537m² on the site.

This will comprise 12 general classrooms, 2 S.E.N. classrooms, a hall, and ancillary accommodation.

Other works around the site related to the project will include modifications to the main entrance gate at the Tubber Road, and the St. Coleman’s Park entrance.

New footpaths will be built along the Tubber Road, including a zebra crossing, with some road realignment works.

A vehicle set-down/drop-off point will also be provided, along with parking on the school site.

A decision is due from Galway County Council on the planning application, which is currently at the pre-validation stage, by January 24.

Parents urged to get free nasal spray flu vaccine for their kids

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November 23, 2022

Parents in Galway are being urged to get the free flu vaccine for their children by the Department of Health this Winter flu season.

Children aged 2 to 17 can get their nasal spray flu vaccine free from their GP or pharmacy, no injection required.

Children are twice as likely as adults to catch flu and can spread flu easily. Young children, in particular, are more likely than adults to be very sick from flu.

While most children who get the flu have mild symptoms, some children can be very sick. In particular, children with chronic health conditions are at risk of serious complications from flu.

Dr Regina Kiernan, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at Public Health Area F said, “Here in the West and North-West, we are seeing a rise in flu cases and many of these are in children.”

“We are urging parents to get the nasal spray flu vaccine for their children. Children are more likely than adults to catch flu, and young children in particular can be very sick from flu.”

“The vaccine is free of charge from your GP or pharmacy, it’s a safe and effective vaccine, and is the best way to protect your child from flu this winter.”

In the last 10 years in Ireland, almost 5,000 children were admitted to hospital with complications of flu. Almost 200 children had to have treatment in the ICU, and 40 children have died.

Since the start of October, we have been notified of over 200 cases of flu in the Area F region. Nearly one in every three cases have been in children.

You can find your nearest pharmacy offering the flu vaccine for your child here: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/flu/pharmacies-flu/.

Over 3,600 Galway students receiving Junior Cert results

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November 23, 2022

Galway Daily news Over 3,600 Galway students receiving Junior Cert results

More than 3,600 students in Galway are receiving the results of their Junior Cert today, in the first full exam sittings since 2019.

In Galway there are 1,819 boys and 1,849 girls who were sitting the Junior Certificate exams this year, out of 67,130 nationwide.

Anyone unable to attend school to get their results in person can access them online on www.examinations.ie from 4 pm today.

This year also marks the first year where all subjects have been examined under the reformed Junior Cycle curriculum.

Minister for Education Norma Foley congratulated all those getting their results today, calling it a “significant milestone” in their journey through school.

“Throughout your school life, each of you will have learned so much and will have developed a myriad of talents, skills and ambitions that will pave the way as you embark on the next stage of your education journey.”

“I want to congratulate each and every one of you again on reaching this major milestone in your life and best wishes for your next steps.”

“To your parents and families, your school communities and teachers, I want to send my heartfelt thanks,” Norma Foley said.

“I know what it is like to support students through state examinations and I know your commitment and support has helped these students to reach this point today.”

“Thanks are also due to the State Examinations Commission and all those involved in completing the examination process.”

Minister of State for Special Education Josepha Madigan added, “Today is a big day for families, teachers, Special Needs Assistants and other school staff as they watch their own students receive the results of their first State Examinations.”

“I want to send my best wishes and congratulations to the students who will receive their results today.”

The overall number of people sitting Junior Cycle examinations this year has increased by 4.4% on 2019.

Appeals regarding results can be made to the State Examinations Commission up to 5pm on Wednesday, November 30.

Public consultation on future of regional water supply

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November 23, 2022

Galway Daily news Moycullen water outage

Irish Water has begun a three month public consultation on plans for the future of the water supply in Galway over the next 25 years.

The consultation covers the draft Regional Water Resource Plan – North West region, which includes Galway.

There are 142 Water Treatment Plants (WTPs) in the North West Region, which collectively serve 732,700 people or 18% of the population of Ireland.

The region itself covers approximately 26,912km², encompassing counties Cavan, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Monaghan, Sligo and parts of Clare, Longford, Louth, Meath and Roscommon, along with eight offshore islands.

The public consultation on the draft plan for the north west region got underway this week, and will continue until February 21 of next year.

Mairéad Conlon, Regional Water Resources Strategy Lead for Irish Water said, “The development of a draft plan on how Irish Water will supply water across the North West region is an important step.”

“It will allow Irish Water to review water supply needs across the region and consider local options to resolve these needs.”

“The draft Regional Plan will offer key benefits in terms of transformation of our supplies, including the ability to cater for growth and economic development in a sustainable way,” she added.

This will be achieved through, “improved interconnectivity between our supplies to ensure balanced regional development and new sustainable water sources that are adaptable to climate change.”

Submissions on the draft plan can be made by email to nwrp@water.ie, or by post to National Water Resources Plan, Irish Water, PO Box 13216, Glenageary, Co. Dublin

Irish Water will also be holding public webinars on the plan and public consultation during January and February next year.

Weather warning for Galway in effect this afternoon

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November 23, 2022

Galway Daily weather Weather warning for Galway in effect this afternoon

A weather warning for strong and damaging winds in Galway today has come into effect this afternoon.

The status yellow warning from Met Eireann will be in effect from 1pm to 7pm on Wednesday evening.

During today, Galway, Clare, Kerry, and Cork will be hit by gusts of up to 90 – 110km/h, strongest in exposed areas.

There is also a potential for ocalised spray and wave overtopping along Atlantic coasts.

A Marine warning for very strong west to southwest gales off the west coast is also in place today/

This will continue into Thursday, where winds of up to gale force 8 are expected to develop into the early afternoon.

Pilot scheme for hot meals in early learning and childcare

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November 23, 2022

Galway Daily news Hot school meals coming to all primary schools in Ireland

A new pilot scheme will provide meals, including hot meals, for children in early learning and childcare settings.

The €150,000 pilot scheme was announced by Minister for Children Roderic O’Gorman this week, with money coming from the Dormant Accounts Fund.

As well as funding, pilot settings will have the assistance of a dietician to support the selection of the meal options.

The three meal options in the pilot scheme will be:

breakfast or snack
breakfast or snack, plus a packed lunch for children to take home
hot meal or snack

Minister O’Gorman said, “Early learning and childcare services work very hard every day to support children experiencing disadvantage.

He added that they are, “uniquely placed to ensure these children can access nutritious meals and snacks – which is so important for children’s health, learning and development.”

“Already, as required by regulation, children attending these services on a full-time basis are provided with two meals, one hot, and two snacks throughout the day. This covers a significant proportion of their daily food intake – as much as 70 percent.”

“For children attending these services for shorter periods however, the provision of food is far more limited,” the Minster said.

“Under this scheme, a range of meal options, including a hot meal, will be piloted among this cohort.”

The results of the pilot scheme will inform decisions about wider roll out as well as work ongoing in the department to develop a DEIS-type model for early learning and childcare.

Anna Shakespeare, CEO of Pobal said “Pobal is delighted to partner the department on this important initiative given the impact this intervention will have on children experiencing disadvantage.”

N67 closed following Oranmore crash

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November 23, 2022