Charlotte’s Vision to host New Year’s Eve Ball in Tuam

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December 5, 2022

galway daily news active consent programme in galway — consenthub.ie

A programme has been launched to give educators the information, skills and support they need to promote positive, active consent among learners.

The new Active* Consent programme, launched by Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI), will be rolled out across its Further Education and Training (FET) schools and colleges in Galway.

The announcement coincides with International Consent Day, which highlights the importance of consent as a practice and a tool for changing lives.

The programme will empower staff across the FET sector to facilitate workshops in their institutions, as well as training them on how to deal appropriately with a disclosure of sexual violence.

The initiative also aims to reach marginalised communities by adapting resources to engage traditionally hard to reach groups, such as communities experiencing socio-economic disadvantage and members of Ireland’s immigrant communities.

All courses are now available online to staff across the FET sector and consist of a number of training options, including: Facilitator Training, First Point of Contact Training and a Continuing Professional Development module on Sexual Consent Promotion.

Commenting on the launch of the Active* Consent programme in the FET sector, Minister Simon Harris said it has been part of his mandate all year to highlight the importance of active consent programmes in further and higher education.

“After the stark findings of a survey on sexual harassment and sexual violence experienced by college students and staff last year, I’m delighted to see that the FET sector has come on board,” said Minister Harris.

“It’s important that we start to embed cultural change around the topic of consent and staff and educators are at the frontline on this.

“Staff in further and higher education need to be trained in how to firstly, encourage open and honest conversations around consent, but also, how to deal with a disclosure of sexual assault or violence.”

Dr Fiona Maloney, Director of Further Education and Training at ETBI, said the FET programmes are delivered in a wide range of settings in Galway and across the country, including Post-Leaving Certificate and Further Education Colleges, Training Centres, Youth Reach and Adult Education Centres.

She said that Further Education and Training is also delivered through community and voluntary groups, commercial training providers and in workplaces.

“It’s important that our FET staff across Galway have the tools they need to support learners and feel equipped to deal with difficult and emotive situations should they arise.

“While schools and higher education have had dedicated programmes on consent, sexual violence and harassment, up until now there had been no formal programme within the FET sector. This will set a standard within the sector and ensure that we can foster a culture of agency, autonomy, and positive, active consent.

“It’s inspiring to see the significant uptake we’ve already had for this programme after a very successful pilot in July and the interest shown by staff across the FET sector. The feedback from staff undertaking the training has been hugely positive, which is reflected in the level of care for our learners.”

Aideen Lyster, Guidance Counsellor at Inchicore College of Further Education, said: “As a guidance counsellor in a busy college of further education, I am in direct contact with learners on a day-to-day basis.

“Participating in the Active*Consent programme was very rewarding with sessions that were informative, skills-based, engaging, and supportive.

“Not only does the programme address all the issues, concerns and questions regarding active consent, it has also given me the skills to be a first point of contact for anyone who has experienced any form of sexual trauma and to support them in an empathic, compassionate and professional way.”

The Active*Consent programme is an initiative run by NUI Galway and funded by the Department of Justice, together with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

Further information and resources are available on consenthub.ie/

Galway Lidl customers raise €15,500 for charity in Trolley Dash fundraiser

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December 5, 2022

galway daily news Lidl christmas trolley dash galway 2022 — Last year's Lidl Trolley Dash Winner Patsy Carroll from Bushy Park, Galway city with Jigsaw’s Eoghan Mac Domhnaill and Knocknacarra Lidl Manager Pauline McLoughlin. Photo:Andrew Downes, xposure

Lidl customers in Galway have raised over €15,500 for youth mental health charity Jigsaw as part of the retailer’s annual Trolley Dash fundraiser.

This year’s dash saw Patsy Carroll from Bushy Park manage to grab over €300 worth of food at Lidl in Knocknacarra in just two minutes.

Lidl stores sold tickets in November for just €1, offering customers the chance to win a supermarket sweep style dash around their nearest store.

The eighth annual Trolley Dash raised more than €307,000 for Jigsaw, taking the total amount raised for Lidl’s charity partners in the festive fundraisers since 2014 to over €2 million.

Speaking about the success of this year’s fundraiser, Elaine O’Connor, Lidl’s Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, said that it is incredible to see such a strong backing for a charity doing important work to support young adults in Ireland, with expert mental health advice and support.

“The whole team at Lidl Ireland are thrilled by the generosity shown by our customers, particularly in these challenging times, who wanted to contribute to a cause that has a real impact on future generations,” said Ms O’Connor.

On receipt of the charity donation Joseph Duffy, CEO of Jigsaw, thanked Lidl Ireland and their customers for their continued support and this considerable donation from the Trolley Dash fundraiser.

“We continue to see a significant increase in the demand for our services and supports across Ireland and it is so important that young people, their families, teachers and communities know that we are here to support them.”

Thirty new jobs created as new Domino’s opens in Oranmore

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December 5, 2022

galway daily news new domino's pizza oranmore

American Pizza chain Domino’s has opened a new store in Oranmore, creating 30 new jobs including pizza chefs, delivery drivers and customer service roles.

Domino’s is looking for people to join the team, and anyone interested in a position in-store can visit dominos-jobs.com.

The new Domino’s is located at Oranmore Town Centre, Millplot.

Queues at the new Domino's in Oranmore — Queues at the new Domino’s in Oranmore

Justin Ward, franchisee at Oranmore Domino’s, said they are excited to open a new store, allowing them to deliver their “delicious menu of handcrafted pizzas” to even more customers across Galway.

“We’re also on the lookout for exceptional people to be part of our in-store team,” said Mr Ward.

“More than 80% of our store managers start their careers as an in-store team member, so these roles offer a great opportunity for ambitious people looking to grow and build a career with the nation’s best-loved pizza company!”

Plans for new outdoor swimming pool on the Shannon

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December 5, 2022

Galway Daily news Plans for new outdoor swimming pool on the Shannon

Major improvements are in the works for outdoor recreation facilities that will let people enjoy the water in a unique way in east Galway

Shannon Bank Trustees are seeking planning permission from Galway County Council to remove the old concrete outdoor pool near Banagher, and replace it with a more modern one.

The outdoor pool is across the river from Bannagher, just on the Galway side of the county line with Offaly.

The project would involve removing the pool, including the walkways, handrails and single access gangway.

The existing pilings are to be retained, and the new pool will be installed on them, along with a raised walkway around it, fixed seating within the pool, and a floating canoe pontoon attached to it.

Other works will involve upgrading the existing tiered seating in front of the pool, including installing three new access stairs with handrails, and a disabled access ramp

Planning approval was granted by Galway County Council with four conditions attached.

103 people in Galway receiving Irish citizenship this week

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December 5, 2022

galway daily news galway people receive irish citizenship

Over 3,500 people will become new Irish citizens this week, with 103 people in Galway to be conferred with their new citizenship today and tomorrow.

In four separate ceremonies at the INEC in Killarney, applicants from over 130 countries will receive their certificates of naturalisation, and take an oath of fidelity to the Irish State.

Sixty-one of the 3,500 new Irish citizens are from Galway City.

The Presiding Officers at the ceremonies are retired High Court Judge, Bryan McMahon and retired Judge Paddy McMahon, who administered the Declaration of Fidelity to the Irish Nation and Loyalty to the State.

The new citizens undertook to faithfully observe the law of the State and respect its democratic values.

Minister of State James Browne TD, who is presiding over today’s ceremonies welcomed our newest citizens, and said he is delighted they have chosen to make Ireland their home.

“They now below to an international Irish community, which spans all corners of the globe and has citizens from more than 180 countries,” he said.

“Like many before them, they now bring their culture, history and traditions and combine them with ours.

“In granting you your Irish citizenship, Ireland has made a wider symbolic commitment to you that resonates with our country’s history and with our people at home and abroad.

“A commitment that you will always have a home here with us, in the Ireland that strives to be safe, fair and inclusive for all.”

Details of future ceremonies and the process for applying for citizenship can be found on www.irishimmigration.ie

TG4 now available in High-Definition on Saorview

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December 5, 2022

Galway Daily television TG4 now available in High-Definition on Saorview

TG4 is now available in high-definition on the free-to-air Saorview digital platform for the first time.

Saorview is Ireland’s free-to-air national digital television service, which has carried TG4 since it first launched in 2011.

Its new HD option will provide a better viewer experience and will be enjoyed in particular for sports and live events, films, high-end entertainment and documentary programming on the Irish language channel.

TG4 Director General Alan Esslemont welcomed the announcement, thanking Minister Catherine Martin and Department officials for the supplementary funding that made it possible.

“Provision of HD services for public service media on a free to air platform such as Saorview is essential as HD has become established norm in broadcasting.”

“Audiences now expect high quality across all platforms, and TG4 viewers will now enjoy excellent pictures and increased engagement in high-quality content that TG4 continues to deliver to its audiences.”

Saorview is Ireland’s free-to-air DTT platform with 626,000 Irish television households using the service, of which 198,000 are Saorview-only homes.

The platform is owned and managed by RTÉ, with its broadcast infrastructure built and operated by its wholly owned subsidiary 2rn.

Saorview Business Development Manager, Jim Higgins said, “We are pleased to note the availability of TG4 in High Definition on Ireland’s free-to-air digital TV platform, and we expect to see a good reaction from our audience to this welcome development.”

Council progressing Athenry Ring Road

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December 5, 2022

Galway County Council is progressing plans for the ongoing construction of the Athenry Ring Road.

The council has published a compulsory purchase order for land to build the western end of the ring road scheme.

The first section of the ring road, from the Raheen Road (L3103) north, to a roundabout junction with Ballydavid Cottages and the R347, was constructed and opened to traffic in mid 2013.

The current CPO is for approximately one kilometre of road at Ballygarraun North and Ballygarraun South.

The work will also involve construction of a roundabout, and the provision of pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.

Copies of the CPO schedule, along with all maps, can be found at the offices of the county council on Prospect Hill, or online at galway.ie/en/services/roads/roadsprojects/athenry/.

Water outages expected in Craughwell and Kiltullagh today

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December 5, 2022

Galway Daily news Ballyconneelly water outages

Water outages are expected for homes and businesses in Craughwell for much of the day, as repair works are carried out on the local network.

Galway County Council has said that leak repair works will take place on the water network in Craughwell from 10:30am to 5pm on Monday.

This will affect the water supply to Circle K Service Station, Dun Ard Estate, Killora Court, Glenntán na hAbhainn, Aggard, & Carrigeen.

It may take 2-3 hours after works are completed before people see their full water supply restored, as the network refills.

Some disruption is also expected in Kiltullagh this morning, as leak repair works are being carried out until 11am on Monday.

A traffic management plan will be in place in the village until the works are completed.

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

Galway weather: Hail, sleet and snow possible as Arctic airmass sets in

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December 4, 2022

Galway Daily weather Met Eireann issues fresh weather warning for Galway

Met Éireann has said that hail, sleet, and snow showers are possible during the second half of this week as temperatures continue to fall across the country.

It will be very cold as an Arctic airmass sets in, bringing sharp to severe frosts and icy stretches on roads.

Met Éireann issued a weather advisory for all counties which will last until Saturday, 10 December.

Plenty of dry weather is expected, but there are likely to be wintry showers at times, especially in northern and northwestern parts of the country. Frosty conditions will develop by night.

Current indications are that it will stay very cold through the remainder of the week and for next weekend too.

Met Éireann says that weather warnings could be issued in the coming days.

Live opera in Galway cinemas next weekend

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December 4, 2022

galway daily news the hours live in irish cinemas poster

The live world premiere of Kevin Puts’s The Hours will be shown at three cinemas in Galway next weekend.

The highly anticipated opera will be shown live at Eye Cinema Galway, Omniplex Salthill and Pálás Galway at 5.55pm on Saturday, 10 December.

Irish National Opera partnered with The Metropolitan Opera to present the world premiere of The Hours, which follows three women from different eras who each grapple with their inner demons and their roles in society.

The story is adapted from Michael Cunningham’s acclaimed novel The Hours, inspired by Virginia Woolf’s Mrs Dalloway, and made a household name by the 2002 Oscar-winning film starring Meryl Streep, Julianne Moore and Nicole Kidman.

Renée Fleming, one of the most beloved and celebrated artists of our time, returns to the Met stage for the first time since 2017.

Joining her is Joyce DiDonato, renowned mezzo-soprano who has been nominated for ten Grammy Awards, and Kelli O’Hara, Tony Award–winning Broadway actress who returns for her third Met production.

Met Music Director and acclaimed maestro Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts, and film actress Christine Baranski, known for her work in The Good Wife, The Good Fight and The Gilded Age hosts the transmission.

Don’t miss the world premiere of Kevin Puts’s The Hours, which is surely one of the best things to do in Galway this weekend.

RTÉ programme to reflect on fascinating career of Galway broadcaster Jim Fahy

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December 4, 2022

galway dialy news jim fahy galway — Broadcasters Dick Warner (left) and Jim Fahy in 1976

The extraordinary career of the late Galway broadcaster Jim Fahy will be explored in a special programme on RTÉ One on Tuesday evening.

The 75-year-old was the national broadcaster’s longest serving regional correspondent when he retired in 2011.

After starting his journalistic career with the Tuam Herald newspaper, he made the leap to broadcasting in the early 1970s and revolutionised regional reporting.

Over the years that followed, his voice on radio and television became synonymous with life in the west of Ireland.

For decades, on nightly bulletins, he catalogued the twists and turns of life in the towns and villages of the region, covering tales of joy and heartbreak, despair, and delight.

But Jim wasn’t just a local journalist, he travelled to Africa, Ukraine, South America, Haiti and beyond, documenting the lives of people who were impacted by famine, war, poverty, and injustice.

For 38 busy years he was the go-to person when a story broke; was liked, admired and more than anything else trusted by the people of the west of Ireland and further afield.

His filmmaking earned him over forty national and international awards, yet he shunned the limelight and never pursued the trappings of ‘personality’. He valued his privacy and guarded it fiercely.

For Jim, it was the story and the pursuit of it that was always king. He died in January 2022, with President Michael D. Higgins leading tributes.

President Higgins described the reporter as one of Ireland’s finest broadcasters, saying that for generations of people he was a familiar voice, associated with the reporting of events across the west of Ireland.

Cloch Le Carn will see friends, colleagues and family speak about the broadcaster, describing him as born mentor, a keen sailor and hillwalker, a devoted husband and father and grandfather.

His legacy will be that of someone who often gave a voice to the voiceless, who was the ears of the west of Ireland, and for over forty years documented a fast-disappearing life for future generations.

Cloch le Carn will be on RTÉ One on Tuesday 6 December at 7pm.

Cllr praises “timely addition” of new Ballinasloe – Castlerea bus service

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December 4, 2022

Galway Daily news Public consultation opens on Cross-City Link bus corridor

Galway County Councillor Evelyn Parsons has praised the “timely addition” of the new Local Link bus service from Ballinasloe to Castlerea.

The new seven-day bus service will begin tomorrow, Monday, with three return services daily.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Cllr Parsons said that from Ballinasloe, to Mountbellew, to Castlerea, the people deserve this.

“Better quality, more affordable and safer services for commuters are badly needed and well done to everyone involved,” said the Independent councillor.

“This new route, numbered 546, will cover Castlerea, Williamstown, Glenamaddy, Kilkerrin, Moylough, Mountbellew, Caltra, Ahascragh and Ballinasloe; and it will also provide commuters with a new peak-time service that interchanges with direct services to Galway from Ballinasloe. It is welcome news.”

Also speaking before the launch, CEO of Galway Rural Development Steve Dolan said the announcement is great news for the people of Mountbellew.

Mr Dolan said they have been working hard on many different projects for the town – especially through their Smart Villages squads.

“It’s also timely as we head into winter with rising fuel costs and the cost of living crisis.

“Good public transport is an environmentally friendly option, which is in-keeping with the ethos of Smart Villages as they exist across the European Union which is why I’m especially delighted for Mountbellew.

“I know the service will be used and can only benefit the people of the region, from Ballinasloe to Castlerea and everywhere in between.”

Renewed appeal for info on 22nd anniversary of Sandra Collins murder

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December 3, 2022

Gardaí in Co. Mayo investigating the disappearance and murder of Sandra Collins are renewing their appeal to the public for information.

Sandra Collins was last seen on the night of Monday, 4 December 2000 at approximately 11pm in the Country Kitchen premises on George’s Street, Killala in Mayo.

Sandra was 28 years old at the time of her disappearance.

The search for Sandra has continued over the past 22 years and the investigation into her disappearance on 4 December 2000 remains active.

An Garda Síochána continue to liaise closely with the Collins’ family in relation to this ongoing investigation.

Gardaí and the Collins family are encouraging anyone who might have information, which perhaps they thought was insignificant at the time, to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Ballina Garda Station on 096 20560, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111, Crimestoppers 1800 250 025 or any Garda station.

An Garda Síochána have said that anyone who contacts them will be treated with confidentiality, compassion and sensitivity.

Special Athenry event to commemorate 100th anniversary of Liam Mellows

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December 3, 2022

galway daily news liam mellows event poster athenry sinn féin

Galway Sinn Féin will hold a special commemorative event for Liam Mellows in Athenry tomorrow, Sunday 4 December.

Mellows led the 1916 Rising in Galway, the largest mobilisation of volunteers outside of Dublin in 1916.

He then became a TD for East Galway and director of supplies for the IRA during the War of Independence.

One of the most prominent anti-treaty TDs, he was also among the most effective leaders of the anti-treaty forces.

Liam Mellows was executed in by the Free State on 8 December 1922 with Rory O’Connor, Joe McKelvey and Dick Barrett at Mountjoy Gaol.

The programme for tomorrow’s Comóradh Céad Bliain ar Liam Ó Maoilíosa

2.00pm	Assemble Athenry Community Park
2.15pm	Piper-led procession to 1916 Commemorative Garden, passing Liam Mellows’ former residence
2.30pm	Chairperson Louis O’Hara opens
2.40pm	1916 Proclamation read by Jim Ward
2.45pm	Excerpts of Liam Mellows’ Dáil speech during the treaty debate to be read Claire Kerrane
2.55pm	The song ‘Máirtín Moylan’ sang by Kevin Rohan
3.05pm	Letter from Mellows to his mother read by Laoise Byrne of Ógra Shinn Féin
3.10pm	Galway Roll of Honour read by Cllr Dermot Connolly
3.25pm	Main Oration by Mairéad Farrell TD
3.45pm	Wreath to be laid by family member of Volunteer from 1916: (Family of Willie Freeney, killed in action 1921)
3.50pm	Lowering of the flags & Piper’s lament
4.00pm	Amhrán na bhFiann by Shauna Redmond
CLOSE

Retired community supervisors to receive gratuity payments in coming weeks

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December 3, 2022

galway daily news community supervisor protest with sean canney

The gratuity payments due to retired community supervisors will be paid out in the coming weeks, local TD Seán Canney has said.

Supervisors have been campaigning for many years for a gratuity to be paid as they were not recognised for any pension rights.

Deputy Canney said that the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform were reluctant to recognise their employment status.

The Independent TD, who was told by Minister Joe O’Brien that the payments will be made shortly, said that the retired supervisors have contributed so much to local communities.

“Thankfully a solution was reached, and the retired supervisors were awarded a gratuity based on years of service,” said Deputy Canney.

“This agreement was reached some time ago but to date no payments were made to those supervisors who retired.

I met with Minister O’Brien yesterday and he confirmed that the gratuity will now be paid in the coming weeks.”

He said that they deserved to be recognised for the valuable service they have provided in local communities, “and I am delighted that this issue is now sorted.

New Access Centre office opens at University of Galway

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December 3, 2022

galway daily news anne rabbitte at university of galway opening new access centre — Minister of State Anne Rabbitte T.D. officially opens the Access Centre at University of Galway, alongside University President Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, Head of the Access Centre Imelda Byrne and Professor Pól Ó Dochartaigh, Deputy President and Registrar at University of Galway. Credit - Aengus McMahon.

Research by University of Galway shows the overall number of students from traditionally underrepresented groups are continuing to grow at the University.

Galway East TD Anne Rabbitte launched the University’s first annual report on Widening Participation this week and officially opened the Access Centre’s new office.

The report outlines key achievements to increase the equality of opportunity for students who traditionally would be regarded as underrepresented in higher education.

This includes the number of students entering University of Galway through specific entry routes other than the Leaving Certificate and CAO system.

Since 2015/16 to 2020/21, there has been a more than 100% increase in students registering for the Disability Support Service at the University.

The service is available to University of Galway students who need support or reasonable accommodations due to the impact of a disability, ongoing physical or mental health condition, or a specific learning difficulty.

The establishment of the Further Education to Higher Education Working Group at the University brought together key stakeholders from across the University and local Further Education providers to expand the number and breadth of undergraduate opportunities available for students coming through from Further Education and Training.

This opening up of opportunities at University of Galway has produced significant results with a 211% increase in the number of students entering University of Galway from Further Education and Training over a four-year period.

The Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) and Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) are two national schemes developed by HEI’s to increase the number of students entering HE who have a disability (DARE) or who come from socio-economically disadvantaged groups (HEAR) in society.

Over 10 years since the 2010/11 academic year, more than 4,100 students were welcomed to the University under the two Government initiatives.

Almost one in 10 of the University’s student population have a socio-economic profile of disadvantage and 32% of students have a socio-economic profile of marginally below average.

Anne Rabbitte, who is Minister of State for Disabilities, said that staff in the Access Centre have worked to offer the best student experience, to advocate for and to impart their knowledge to students, many of whom face significant obstacles on their educational journey.

“With the opening of the Access Centre at University of Galway and the publication of the annual Widening Participation report I am confident that the University is committed to building on what has been achieved to date and to finding ways to help others to enhance their educational future, and to remain committed to diversity and equality of opportunity, to combating educational disadvantage in the region and beyond, and to ensuring university education is for everyone.”

Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, President of University of Galway, said: “A key component of this report is looking at the data we have on underrepresented students and learning from what has been achieved so far, so that we can continue to develop a university community that is more reflective of society and that leads the way in changing our society. This is a challenge and responsibility for us all.

“The widening participation activities outlined in this report are a testament to our commitment to our values of openness, respect, excellence and sustainability, and in this report, we see the outcomes of this commitment for the public good.”

Imelda Byrne, Head of Access Centre at University of Galway, said: “This report outlines the broad range of work that has been done to increase the diversity of the University population and the efforts being made to ensure a whole-of-institution approach to widening participation.

“We are proud of the progress we have made so far but recognise that more still can be done to further extend opportunities to under-represented groups.”

Dr Daniel Savery, Widening Participation Officer at the University’s Access Centre, said: “This report provides clear evidence that we have made significant progress in widening participation and creating a more inclusive environment for students from traditionally underrepresented groups in University of Galway.

“It is through collaboration that this has been achieved to date, and we look forward to building on these achievements.”

A copy of the report is available at https://www.universityofgalway.ie/media/access/Widening-Participation-Report-2022.pdf

Mountbellew Ambers win big at Active Retirement bowls competition

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December 3, 2022

galway daily news mountbellew amber bowls — The 2022 Active Retirement Ireland national indoor mats bowling competition in Killarney. (Front) Mountbellew Ambers (Co. Galway) team member Mary Rooney and (back) Cnoc Buí (Co. Waterford) team skip Shay Arthur compete in the final, while Comeragh’s (Co. Waterford) team skip Maureen Widger looks on. Photo: Don MacMonagle

Members of the Mountbellew Ambers Active Retirement bowls team have taken home one of the top prizes at the 2022 Active Retirement Ireland national indoor mats bowling competition.

Mountbellew Ambers team members Mary Rooney, Noreen Gayle, Dominic Rooney and team skip Mattie Donnellan were presented with the 2022 large bowls plate by the national president of Active Retirement Ireland Anne Drury and CEO Maureen Kavanagh.

Over three days, 57 Active Retirement teams from across the country competed in the competition this week, which has been held every year since 2010, except 2020 and 2021 when it was suspended due to the pandemic.

Speaking at the presentation, Active Retirement Ireland CEO Maureen Kavanagh congratulated Mountbellew Ambers on their success.

She said that they have met strong competition from many talented teams over the past few days to emerge the winners of the 2022 large bowls plate.

“This year’s National Bowls Competition is of extra special significance as it indicates that older people are taking charge of their lives again post-pandemic,” said Ms Kavanagh.

“It showcases the resilience of older people as they come back to volunteering, and to resuming an active and social lifestyle after two years of lockdown.

“The 230 bowlers who competed for the Cup this week, our members in attendance and our volunteers who helped with the event, epitomise the absolute determination of older people not to be left behind or left out of life.

“We are grateful for the generous support of our event host, the Gleneagle Hotel, for making this event possible for so many of our members and for their recognition of the contribution that older people make.”

In 2019, before the Covid-19 pandemic, Active Retirement Ireland had 550 Active Retirement Associations comprising some 25,000 members.

Post-pandemic, current figures show that 81% of ARAs have resumed activities and 18,500 members (74%) have returned to their ARAs.

Plans lodged for 60 apartments in Galway City

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December 2, 2022

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

Planning permission is being sought got the construction of 60 apartments in the westside area of Galway City.

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

The developer is seeking approval to demolish the offices on the first floor, and build 60 new apartments over three floors in their place.

The 22 one-bedroom units, 34 two-bedroom apartments, and four three-bed apartments. The apartments are to have balconies, and there will also be an external courtyard on the first floor level.

The ground floor of the building is currently occupied by multiple stores, including Aldi supermarket.

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

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

The underground car park is currently unused, and it is intended that it will be reinstated to served the new apartments and retail building.

A decision on this planning application is due from Galway City Council by January 11 of next year.

Parking charges being introduced at Leisureland

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December 2, 2022