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

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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

The N67 in Oranmore is currently closed following a road traffic collision this morning.

Gardaí are currently at the scene of a single vehicle collision on the N67 at Oranbeg, Oranmore.

The crash occurred shortly before 7am this morning, and Gardaí say that no injuries have been reported.

Motorists should be advised that the road is now closed following the crash.

Fresh plans for Claregalway solar farm development

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November 23, 2022

Galway Daily news Planning permission sought for south Galway solar farm

A fresh application has been made for a 25ha expansion to a solar farm which is to be built between Claregalway and Athenry.

Renewable Energy Systems Ltd is seeking planning permission for a solar energy development on land at Ballymoneen/Grange East.

It would consist of solar panels on ground mounted frames, along with 8 inverter substations, security fencing and cameras, access tracks, and cabling.

This would operate as an extension of the 140ha Ballymoneen Solar Farm, for which they which RES received planning permission in January of 2021.

The development will be spread across five fields of pasture land in the subject area, approximately 0.5km east of Cregmore Park Golf Club.

The application states that the solar farm would be operational for a period of 35 years if approved.

Planning permission was previously refused by the county council for an extension of the approved Ballymoneen Solar Farm at this site.

The council rejected a similar application back in August, stating that it would contravene a condition attached to planning permission for that development.

A decision on this fresh planning application is due from the county council by January 6 of next year.

Families vote for the ugliest deep sea fish in the ocean

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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November 22, 2022