Fresh plans for Claregalway solar farm development

-

November 23, 2022

1332_GBU book launch_Andrew Downes Exposure web — Cerys Johnston (10yrs) and Hugo Johnston (12yrs), Oscar ó Cuaig (11yrs), Florence O'Donnell (12yrs) and Edith O'Donnell (8yrs) celebrate as the deepsea angler fish is voted one of the ugliest fish in the ocean Photo: Andrew Downes, xposure.

The Seadevil angler fish was voted as “one of the ugliest deep-sea fish species” in the world at Galway Science and Technology Festival.

Families and kids picked out the Black Seadevil and the nastiest looking from a wide range of weird fish that fill the deepest parts of the ocean.

This was at the Marine Institute Exhibit at the festival, where families saw a display of supersized photos of the deep sea species. The Blobfish known as Mr Blobby, the viperfish with giant fangs, the hagfish that produces slime in seconds, and the goblin shark with a protruding jaw.

Cushla Dromgool-Regan, Explorers strategic education and communications manager at Camden Education Trust, said she was delighted to produce a new book and resources that showcased the amazing animals that are found in the deepest parts of the ocean in Ireland and around the world.

“I love deep-sea animals and their amazing ability to adapt under extreme conditions,” said Cushla Dromgool-Regan.

“The animals selected for the book were based on some of our favourite deep-sea species that we have affectionately called the good, the bad and the ugly – because of their incredible features that help them survive.”

Some look cute but are deadly and others look angry but are basically looking for their next meal,” she added.

The vote took place at the launch of the new Explorers educational book and resources Explorers: The Good, The Bad + The Ugly Deep Sea Species.

“As our mascot, we were delighted to see the Black seadevil anglerfish come in with top votes by children who loved learning about its bioluminescent lure, expandable stomach and huge mouth that can pretty much eat anything it can get its mouth around,” said Ms Dromgool-Regan.

“There are over 200 species of anglerfish. Among them the species known as the Monkfish, can open its mouth wide enough to engulf other animals larger than its self.”

“It is reported that Monkfish have been found with birds in their stomachs including gulls, puffins, and cormorants.”

The workbook and lessons and activities are also really well illustrated and we are sure will help develop children’s STEM skills, while also increasing their engagement in the ocean.”

The Explorers team will also be delivering Deep-sea Species class projects with primary schools, where teachers will receive printed copies of the introductory book and workbooks, with a range of cross-curricular activities for the children.

Yellow weather warning for strong winds to hammer Galway

By

-

November 22, 2022

Galway daily weather Met Eireann weather warning in force for Galway today

A Status Yellow weather warning has been issued by Met Eireann for strong winds to batter Galway on Wednesday.

Galway is forecast to get hit by very strong and gusty west to southwest winds during Wednesday afternoon and evening.

Gusts of up to 90 – 110km/h are being forecast by Met Eireann, which will be strongest in exposed areas.

There is a potential for localised spray and wave overtopping along the Atlantic Coast as well.

The yellow weather warning for Galway, Clare, Kerry, and Cork will be in effect from 1pm to 7pm on Wednesday afternoon and evening.

A marine Gale warning will also be in effect for the west coast of Ireland until Thursday afternoon, with winds reaching strong gale force 9 tomorrow.

Man in his 70s charged with historic sex crimes in Galway

By

-

November 22, 2022

Galway Daily courts Man charged with possessing images of child sex abuse — credit: Robert Linsdell CC BY 2.0 'The Courthouse, Courthouse Square, Galway'

A man in 70s is to be prosecuted in Galway for years of alleged historic sex crimes against a female victim back in the 1980s.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared before Galway District Court in recent days.

The court heard evidence from Gardaí of the accused man being arrested, charged, and cautioned that day.

He has been charged with 16 counts of indecently assaulting a female in Galway County.

The offences are alleged to have occurred over several years, on dates between October 1984 and October 1988.

The DPP has directed that the case should be tried on indictment before Galway Circuit Court.

The Director also consented to the case going forward on a signed plea of guilty should that arise.

The accused man was remanded to his next court date on bail, with conditions that he reside at the address known to the state, and sign on at a Garda station once a week.

He is also to surrender his passport, and not to have any contact with the alleged injured party, or any witnesses, by any means.

The cases will next come before the courts in December for the service of a book of evidence.

Three week roadworks in Corrandulla to disrupt traffic

By

-

November 22, 2022

Roadworks in Corrandulla will disrupt traffic through the north Galway village for the next three weeks.

The county council is carrying out resurfacing works on the L2119 road through Corrandulla.

In order to facilitate these works, a stop and go system will be in place while they are underway.

The works are expected to take three weeks to complete, taking place from 8am – 5pm each Monday to Friday.

“As a consequence users of this road are requested to expect delays and as such should allow additional time for their journeys.”

“There may be at certain times diversions in place due to narrow sections of road,” the county council said.

Minister Naughton presents national award to Oranmore schoolkids

By

-

November 22, 2022

89Explorers Ocean Champion Awards web — Scoil Iósaif Naofa, Oranmore, Co Galway Award: Marine Institute’s Explorers Ocean Champion Award Project: ‘Ocean Aware Because we Care’ – winner of cross curricular and STEM project category

Galway TD and Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton has presented the Oceans Champion Award to pupils of Scoil Iosaif Naofa in Oranmore.

The Oranmore Boys School pupils won the best STEM and Cross Curricular award at the Marine Institute’s Explorers Ocean Champion Awards.

Congratulating the children and teachers involved in their healthy ocean project ‘Ocean Aware Because We Care’, Minister Naughton said that they took a very inclusive approach to educating people about our marine heritage and environment.

She added that the efforts made by the children, teachers, and all involved, “shows that this project went beyond the classroom and highlights the value of teaching as a community.”

Minister Hildegarde Naughton added, “The title of the school project called ‘Ocean Aware Because We Care’ is a wonderful slogan, as it represents the importance of learning about our ocean at a local level”.

The children of Scoil Iosaif Naofa learned about the ocean themselves through visits to Galway City Museum, the Atlantaquaria, and activities such as beach clean ups and school visits from the INFOMAR seabed mapping team.

Minister Naughton said that this was a wonderful example of local organisations working with schools to inspire children.

Scoil Iósaif Naofa, Oranmore, Co Galway
Award: Marine Institute’s Explorers Ocean Champion Award
Project: ‘Ocean Aware Because we Care’ – winner of cross curricular and STEM project category

School Principal Maeve Meeneghan congratulated the lead teacher Ms Lillis and the Explorers outreach officer Noirin Burke, saying she was pleased that so many people took part.

“The Explorers Oceans Champions project has been a huge success on many levels where the children have thoroughly enjoyed this project and were motivated to learn and were engaged from the very start.”

“I was delighted that so many teachers and classes came on board and it has been a privilege to support and watch the unfolding of this project here in Scoil Iósaif Naofa.”

As part of the Explorers Ocean Champion Project and Awards initiative, the Programme Manager, Camden Education Trust, and the Explorers Programme outreach teams have worked with 28 primary schools.

Ther project has seen them reaching up to 3,500 children across 13 coastal counties, creating ‘healthy ocean’ projects covering themes from STEM, outdoor education, through to the arts and ocean literacy.

Paul Connolly, CEO of the Marine Institute said, “Engaging our communities at a local level about the ocean and its biodiversity is important for the future health of our ocean.”

“The children are our future scientists, mathematicians, engineers, artists, communicators and citizens – and they all need to be ocean champions now and into the future.”

Water outages expected in Gort throughout the week

By

-

November 22, 2022

Galway Daily news overnight water outages

People living in the Gort area may experience water outages throughout the week due to work at the water treatment plant.

Irish Water and the county council are carrying out upgrade works on the treatment plant for the Gort Public supply scheme.

These are expected to continue until Friday, and may cause intermittent water outages during the day.

“While these works are underway, customers in the area may experience a slight increase in the taste and smell of chlorine in their drinking water,” the county council said.

“Irish Water would like to assure all customers supplied by Gort Water Supply Scheme that the drinking water is safe to drink and the level of chlorine in your water is carefully monitored and controlled to ensure it is maintained at levels that are not harmful to health.”

High speed fibre broadband now available for 5,000 Gort & Athenry properties

By

-

November 22, 2022

Galway Daily news Work underway to deliver fibre broadband for 2,500 homes in East Galway

Almost 5,000 properties in the Gort and Athenry areas are now able to order or pre-order high speed fibre broadband.

National Broadband Ireland has completed building works on the new fibre network for the two Galway towns.

In Athenry, the network is now live for 2,497 premises, with another 2,445 homes, businesses, and farms ready for connection in the Gort area.

This brings the total number of premises in Galway that can order broadband from a National Broadband Ireland provider to just over 10,500.

Peter Hendrick, Chief Executive Officer, National Broadband Ireland, said: “We are delighted to announce that premises in Athenry and Gort can now order or pre-order broadband services through the National Broadband Ireland network.”

“This will enable users to experience the life-changing benefits that high-speed broadband provides.”

Under the National Broadband Plan, which NBI is responsible for rolling out, some 40,000 properties in Galway are included in the targeted areas.

Galway will see €153 million invested in a 500mbps fibre network as part of the plan.

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).

As a wholesale provider, National Broadband Ireland will make the new Fibre-to-the-Home network available to all RSPs operating in the Intervention Area.

Spanish investment management firm Asterion recently completed the acquisition of an 80 percent stake in National Broadband Ireland.

This deal was first announced last summer, and received government approval in October.

Eight students receive Optum scholarships

By

-

November 22, 2022

galway daily news Caitlin McCahill, University of Galway — Caitlin McCahill, University of Galway

The United Health Foundation has announced the eight students to receive bursaries under its Healthcare Scholarship Program 2022.

The Optum Ireland programme is focused on students from less-advantaged backgrounds who wish to pursue a degree in primary or specialised care, or emerging health care technologies.

The program supports dedicated scholarships to University of Galway, ATU Donegal, Ulster University, Queen’s University Belfast, and the RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences (Dublin).

2022 Scholars

University of Galway: Caitlín McCahill, Occupational Therapy (St. Columba’s Comprehensive, Glenties)

ATU Donegal: Mia Baikie, Nursing (Gairmscoil Mhic Diarmada, Arranmore) Catherine Whiteside, Applied Computing (Abbey Vocational School, Donegal)

Ulster University, Magee Campus: Gráinne McGlynn, Physiotherapy (Rosses Community School, Dungloe)

Queen’s University: Connor Allison, Biochemistry with Professional Studies (Loreto, Milford)

Royal College of Surgeons: Evin Donnelly, Medicine (Newpark Comprehensive, Ballybrack)

School of Medicine, Ulster University, Magee Campus: Heather Broadley (County Donegal); Dearbhlá Butterly (County Louth)

“This program is helping to create additional and much needed healthcare professionals in Ireland,” said Padraig Monaghan, Managing Director of Optum Ireland and UK.

“We have seen over recent years how these young people from diverse backgrounds have thrived with the support of the scholarship and I am delighted to announce this year’s recipients.”

With the addition of the new scholars, the scholarship program is currently supporting 24 students across five universities on the island of Ireland.

This year’s Ireland Healthcare Scholars will benefit from annual financial assistance, will be paired with a mentor and will participate in community volunteering activities.

Margaret O’Connor, Principal of Loreto Milford in County Donegal, said: “The Ireland Healthcare Scholarships make a real and palpable difference to young people who would not otherwise be able to have this additional education.

“The cost of third level education places a significant financial burden on families and pressure on the young people themselves. The scholarship can be life-changing for our students.”

Caolinn Diver from Carndonagh in County Donegal was one of the first recipients of a health care scholarship and recently graduated with a Master’s in Pharmacy with first class honours from Ulster University.

“My ambition was always to become a pharmacist, but I wouldn’t have been able to take my place on the degree course in Coleraine without this scholarship,” Caoilinn said.

“The support I received over the four years went beyond the financial and helped me navigate my way through the course and secure a position as a community pharmacist in the North West.”

€217m stimulus package for North West region welcomed

By

-

November 22, 2022

Galway Daily news Rural regeneration projects in Galway receive over €6 million

Roscommon-Galway TD Claire Kerrane has welcomed the announcement that a €217m stimulus package will be provided for the West and North West Region.

Provided through the European Regional Development Funds (ERDF), the package is aimed at supporting regional development schemes in the West and North West Region.

The announcement follows a report from the European Commission this year, which downgraded the region for a second time to a lagging Region.

Deputy Kerrane said this signalled concern that the region has become significantly less well-off, relative to the European average, over recent years.

“The Region, which includes counties Galway, Roscommon, Leitrim, Sligo, Donegal, Monaghan and Mayo, was downgraded to a ‘Region in Transition’ in 2019 by the European Commission before being downgraded again this year.

It is the only region in the State to be classified in this way.

“Challenges identified as rationale for downgrading the Region include lower productivity and educational attainment, as well as a weaker skills base and business environment in the region,” said the Sinn Féin TD.

“We must ensure that people living in the West & North West can access a good quality of life and the same opportunities as other parts of the State.

“It is crucial now that momentum be built upon, and that every effort is taken to ensure the West & North West receives increased and sustained funding and investment moving forward.”

Born to Rise programme helping women find their voice

By

-

November 22, 2022

galway daily news dr caren hession with new singing programme — Dr Caren Hession

A new self-development programme designed to help women to find their voice has been praised by a Galway senator who said that it has improved the way she speaks in the Oireachtas.

Born to Rise, created by Galway woman Dr Caren Hession, is helping women across the country to find their voice with a breakthrough technique using music and song.

Her next two-day Born to Rise programme will take place in the Town Hall Theatre on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 January.

Senator Pauline O’Reilly recently attended Dr Hession’s sessions and said that it has taught her a lot about her voice.

“As a politician I use my voice every day to speak to people, do interviews and public addresses,” said the Green Party senator.

She said that it can be challenging as a woman in politics as there are many expectations about how you should sound and what you should say.

“People accuse you of sounding too aggressive or too passive,” she said.

Senator O’Reilly wanted to develop beyond that, and signed up for some singing lessons with Caren for her own enjoyment.

“It was something to do in my downtime. I have to say that I got so much more from it than I ever would have expected.

“I learnt the skills to improve my singing voice, but I also learnt how to control my voice when I speak, and to think about how to convey a vision through my voice and stay true to myself.

“I found through the singing lessons I have confidence in my voice and in what I had to say. I would recommend Caren to anyone wanting to explore finding their voice.”

Dr Hession, a professional in Music, Creative Arts, Philosophy, Neuroscience and Neurolinguistics, said that she was a woman who did not have a voice.

She said that she was afraid of her own potential and self-sabotaging by staying small and not using her inner or outward voice.

“Through singing I rediscovered who I was,” she said. “I could tell my story through song and music.”

“Unlocking the true potential of your voice is one of the most empowering, most fulfilling, and most transformational adventures on which you can embark.”

She said the two-day programme in January will take people on an emotional and inspirational journey to rediscover who they are within, ignite their true potential and give people the confidence, clarity and courage they need to live the life of magnitude they desire.

At the end of the two-day programme there will be a live music performance where participants will showcase their voice by singing to a full audience at the Town Hall Theatre.

“The option will be there to sing within a group or as a solo. It is amazing to see the growth after just two days.”

Anyone feeling lost, stuck, unheard, unmotivated, or desire something greater for your life overall is invited to join Dr Hession for the exclusive two-day breakthrough training programme on 28 and 29 January.

To find out more and purchase tickets for this two-day programme visit www.carenhession.com

Galway rents continue to spiral out of control in latest Daft report

By

-

November 22, 2022

The latest Daft.ie report published this morning makes for grim reading once again as the average rents in Galway city and county continued to rise over the summer.

In Galway city, the average rent stood at €1,713 during the third quarter of 2022 – an increase of 16.4% on Q3 last year.

Elsewhere in the county it rose by 12.2% to €1,249.

The report shows that one-bedroom apartments in the city were €1,142 on average (up 15%), and a two-bedroom house was €1,333.

Rents for three and four-bedroom houses in the city rose to €1,594 and €1,948 respectively.

For a single bedroom in a shared house in the city centre, people could expect to pay €572, while a double bedroom would set them back €617 on average.

Everywhere else in Co. Galway, there is a similar picture with rents continuing to rise, albeit less dramatically as in the city.

A one-bedroom apartment in Galway County averages €837, up 5.8%, while a two-bedroom house is €954 (3.6%).

It will cost people on average €1,103 for a three-bedroom and €1,263 for a four-bedroom house.

Nationally, rents in the third quarter of 2022 were 14.1% higher than a year previously – the highest increase in market rents since the Daft Report was launched in 2005.

Between June and September, rents rose nationwide by an average of 4.3%.

This is the single largest quarterly increase ever recorded in the rental report in a series that goes back to the start of 2006 by some distance.

New procedure for coronary artery bypass grafting carried out at UHG

By

-

November 21, 2022

galway daily news uhg surgeons for coronary artery — The surgical team for the first endoscopic radial harvest surgery for coronary artery bypass grafting in Ireland at University Hospital Galway. From left: Mr Alan Soo, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon; Dr Sadiq Siddiqui, Cardiothoracic Surgery Registrar and Mr Ronan Kelly, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon. Missing from the photo Mr Fabio Bartolozzi, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon.

University Hospital Galway has become the first hospital in the country to introduce a new minimally invasive surgery for coronary artery bypass grafting.

The new procedure reduces significantly the risk of complications and infection for the patient.

It was carried out for the first time in Ireland by Dr Sadiq Siddiqui as part of the minimal access surgery programme at UHG.

Dr Siddiqui is an integral member of the surgical team led by Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeons; Mr Fabio Bartolozzi, Mr Ronan Kelly and Mr Alan Soo.

Traditionally in coronary artery bypass grafting operations, a number of arteries and veins are removed from their natural position and used as conduits to bring blood to the narrow or blocked coronary arteries on the surface of a patient’s heart.

The standard surgery leaves large scars on the patient’s legs and forearms that are often slow to heal and can be disfiguring.

This new endoscopic approach leaves two tiny scars on the forearm in place of a foot long scar along the whole arm. These heal quicker and with less pain.

“The radial artery from the forearm has been shown to be a longer lasting and superior vessel to use in Coronary Artery Surgery operations particularly in younger patients,” said Dr Siddiqui.

After performing over 400 endoscopic saphenous vein harvests (EVH) in Galway as part of coronary artery bypass operations, Dr Siddiqui travelled to the Royal Brompton National Heart Hospital in London to further his training in endoscopic surgery.

There he trained in this new technique to also harvest the radial artery from the left forearm.

“We are very grateful to the Royal Brompton Hospital for the assistance and expertise,” he added.

Prof Pat Nash, Chief Clinical Director with the Saolta University Hospital Group said: “The Endoscopic Radial Artery (ERAH) programme will further advance the burgeoning minimally invasive cardiac surgery programme in Galway and improve the care of patient’s undergoing coronary artery surgery in Galway by reducing their risk of complications and infections.”

Local TD says rail service into Galway City “more akin to Indian rail service than Irish one”

By

-

November 21, 2022

Denis Naughten TD has told Transport Minister Eamon Ryan that the current rail service from Athlone and Ballinasloe into Galway City is “more akin to an Indian rail service than an Irish one” due to overcrowding.

Deputy Naughten said that the recent expansion of rail services announced by Irish Rail ‘completely ignored’ the Galway to Athlone rail line, despite Galway city being choked with traffic.

Speaking in the Dáil, the Independent TD said the announcement by Irish Rail was ‘even more bizarre’ considering the Government allocated €3 million to provide a passing loop at Oranmore railway station 18 months ago.

He went on to say that in the first major rail carriage investment under the Minister’s tenure, Galway city has been ignored.

Denis Naughten pointed out that Galway and the West of Ireland had to “get their fair share of the new rail carriages and if the morning and evening services between Athlone and Galway were improved these carriages could then be used during the day to enhance commuter services into Galway City from Athenry.”

Minister Ryan said he agreed with Deputy Naughten that Galway, as well as Cork and Waterford, Limerick, receive investment so that they have centres of scale that can be counterweights to the greater Dublin area.

He said that there is also potential for further improvements to be made around Céannt Station and for double tracking and improving the overall level of service, particularly from the likes of Athenry or Athlone into Galway, so that people can commute by rail rather than by car, which he said is the “curse of Galway’s transport system at the present time.”

Nearly 6,000 Galway carers to receive €500 lump sum this week

By

-

November 21, 2022

Galway Daily news Details announced for reopened Pandemic Unemployment scheme

A €500 lump sum payment will be paid this week to over Galway 5,800 carers to assist with the cost of living crisis.

This payment announced by Minister Heather Humphreys today is one of eight lump sum payments designed to support families and households over the winter months.

The €500 lump sum will be received in carers’ bank accounts on Thursday, costing a total of €57.3 million.

The payment is being made automatically to people receiving a Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit or Domiciliary Care Allowance payment.

Those who received the annual Carer’s Support Grant in June who have confirmed that they are still caring will also receive the €500 lump sum payment.

Announcing the details, Minister Humphreys thanked all carers in Ireland for the vital and valuable contribution they play in local communities.

She said their commitment and work in supporting those that need help and support is ‘hugely important’ and ‘greatly appreciated’.

Special fundraising concert to take place in Salthill

By

-

November 21, 2022

galway daily news band at salthill concert fundraiser — Members of the Moonlight Big Band who play a fundraising concert at the Salthill Hotel. Photo: Sean Lydon

A 19-piece big band will perform at an exciting concert on Sunday, 4 December at the Salthill Hotel.

The Moonlight Big Band will perform as part of the special fundraising event in aid of the National Breast Cancer Research Institute.

The concert will feature music from Sinatra, Buble, Miller, Paul Anka, Goodman and many more with plenty of Christmas classics.

Singers on the night will include Keith McDonald and Madeleine Connaughton and the MC will be Galway Bay FM’s Jimmy Higgins.

All singers and musicians in the band have donated their services to support breast cancer research and as a result all proceeds raised will go directly to the charity.

Doors open at 7.30pm and tickets are just €20 each available online only at www.breastcancerresearch.ie/BigBand

COPE Galway supported almost 3,000 people last year

By

-

November 21, 2022

Galway Daily news COPE Galway extremely worried at record homelessness levels

COPE Galway supported almost 3,000 people in the city and county last year, across all their services.

The charity’s annual report for 2021 shows that COPE cared for 2,885 people through its homelessness, domestic abuse, and senior support services.

COPE has launched its annual report this morning, with guest speaker and human rights expert, Mr. Michael O’Flaherty, Director of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights.

Speaking from Vienna, he took part in a Q&A session addressing issues such as the right to a home of your own, and inequalities in society that lead to isolation for older people, and that force women and children to leave their abusive homes.

COPE Galway’s CEO, Michael Smyth remarked about the numbers in the report; “This represents a 10% increase on the numbers of men, women and families our organisation served the previous year”.

“A figure that is unfortunately only going to increase as we face into the challenging social and economic landscape that lies ahead.”

At the report launch, attendees heard from staff about the challenges they have faced on delivering services, and keeping the doors open.

Mr Smyth continued, “It is thanks to the commitment and resilience of our staff and volunteers and the strength and determination of our clients that we were in a position to support so many in 2021.”

“Throughout the year, our staff continuously found new ways and innovative approaches to progress our clients through our services towards a better quality of life.”

Climate and housing crisis front and centre at ATU Galway Careers Fair

By

-

November 21, 2022

Tackling the climate crisis and housing emergency was at the front of minds and on the tips of tongues at the ATU Galway Careers Fair.

Twenty-six employers from Ireland and the UK representing all sectors of architecture, construction, civil engineering, and more attended the event at Atlantic Technological University Galway recently.

The views expressed there emphasised that a shortage of built environment graduates will impact our ability to tackle the climate emergency and deliver critical housing and infrastructure.

Dr Shane Newell, lecturer, ATU Dept of Building & Civil Engineering, Galway campus, pointed out that the built environment is responsible for roughly a third of Ireland’s carbon emissions.

“Therefore, our graduates will have a significant role to play in combating this in the future as we transition towards a climate neutral economy by 2050.”

“Our graduates in the built environment will be at the coalface tackling climate change and this makes it a very rewarding and exciting time to be entering the profession”.

The employers who attended that Careers Fair met and talked with students from Architectural Technology, Civil Engineering, Construction Management and Quantity Surveying degree programmes about new graduate opportunities and placement positions.

A major shift in focus in built environment programmes in ATU Galway in the last decade is the focus on sustainability and tackling the climate emergency.

In ATU Galway, all built environment degree programmes have an industrial placement in third year.

This annual event gives students excellent opportunities to speak directly to employers to discuss potential placement positions which are an important part of their undergraduate studies.

Work placements enhance the student learning experience and ensure students have valuable experience prior to entering the workplace, and increases their employment prospects.

Representatives from companies in attendance shared their views, with Nicola Van Der Walt of Ryan Hanley Consulting Engineers saying that it is an exciting time for students to study in this field.

“There are currently record levels of investment projected in infrastructure projects in Ireland.”

“Ryan Hanley is predicting a strong demand for graduates in the sector over the next couple of years.”

Lisa Elliott, from Shareridge Civil Engineering added, “The calibre and quality of students and graduates we met while exhibiting at the Careers Networking Event at ATU Galway was top class”.

“Students were informed and knowledgeable in theory and practice and we very much look forward to engaging with these fantastic young people within our graduate and placement programmes.”

Appeal made to An Bord Pleanála over large Oranmore housing development

By

-

November 21, 2022

Galway daily news Knocknacarra social housing

An appeal has been made to An Bord Pleanála against the county council’s decision to refuse planning for a large residential development in Oranmore.

Corestone 16 Ltd were refused planning permission last month for 101 houses and apartments on the Coast Road, Oranmore, next to the train station.

The original application made to the county council was for 91 homes, but this was increased in revised plans submitted after the council asked the developer to consider a higher density.

The council refused to approve the housing development after taking issue with its design and layout, lack of engagement with the wider Urban Framework Plan for the area, and concerns about social housing.

The “design, scale, and car dominated layout” of the development, in an area that is supposed to be focused on public transport, was not acceptable, the council said.

In addition, the decision also criticised the “poor quality public realm, quality of public and private open space, poor disposition, and inadequate and insufficient quality of residential amenity” in the plans.

This decision has been appealed to An Bord Pleanála, which is due to make a decision by March 21 of next year.

It states that the layout of the estate has been designed to enhance connectivity with Oranmore train station, and will create a new greenway with pedestrian and cycling connections to the village and station.

The appeal also states that this application is for the first phase of a larger development, adding “As part of the next phase, the central landscaped space will be expanded to create a new central park”.

The bulk of the public green space in the current application is at the northern end of the site.

Additional landscaped space will be provided to the east of the current site in later phases, the appeal states.

Weather warning for heavy rain in effect

By

-

November 21, 2022