Four Galway groups awarded funding to help integrate asylum seekers

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November 2, 2022

Galway Daily news Planning appeal over 91 houses & apartments in Athenry

An Bord Pleanála has refused approval for a County Council housing development in Oughterard due to concerns about its isolated location, and increased traffic.

The county council made an application to the planning board for 4 single-storey two bedroom homes on the outskirts of Oughterard.

The houses were to be built on a 0.622ha site immediately to the north of the existing Sruthán an Chláir estate off the N59.

There were a number of objections submitted to An Bord Pleanála from residents of the neighbouring housing estate.

The application was under Sec 177AE of the Planning and Development Act, which requires a Natura Impact Statement, and that the development can’t go ahead without the Bord’s approval.

It requires the Bord to assess the environmental implications of the development, and its impact on the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

An Bord Pleanála refused approval for this housing project on the grounds that it is located on land that is not zoned for development.

This goes against the County Development Plan’s objective of first building on land close to the town core, and prioritising public transport.

“It is considered that the site is located in an area which is remote and isolated from the town centre, and its development would not be in line with the orderly expansion of the settlement.”

The decision said that due to the “lack of a safe pedestrian linkage” to the town centre, and the “absence of public transport”, the development would be excessively car dependent.

The second reason given for the refusal was that the development would generate increased turning traffic at the junction of the L5330 local road and N59, where sightlines had not been demonstrated.

Without an assessment of this junction, the council said that it could not be satisfied that there wouldn’t be an “unacceptable impact” on traffic and public safety.

Weather warning for heavy wind and rain in effect

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November 2, 2022

Galway Daily weather Weather warning for heavy rain in Galway tonight

Heavy rain and possible flooding is expected throughout the day, with a status yellow weather warning in effect this morning.

A wind and rain warning for all of Ireland will be in place until 9pm tonight.

It will be very windy throughout the day, with widespread gales and some severe and damaging gusts.

Winds will start off southerly today, and begin veering westerly as the day progresses.

There is the potential for localised wave overtopping along Atlantic coasts, Met Eireann has warned.

Rain will be heaviest in Galway in the late morning and early afternoon, and Met Eireann has warned of flooding in places.

The west coast is also under a status orange storm warning for coastal water today.

Southerly winds, veering westerly, will reach storm force 10 at times on Wednesday on Irish coastal waters from Mizen Head to Slyne Head to Malin Head and on the north Irish Sea.

This marine warning will be in effect throughout the day, lasting until midnight.

Water outages in number of areas across county on Wednesday

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November 1, 2022

Galway Daily news Water outages in Athenry on Tuesday

A number of areas in Galway will be affected by water outages tomorrow, Wednesday, due to essential works being carried out by Irish Water.

Kilconnell Village, the Calla Lake Road, the Aughrim Road and the Fohenagh Road will be affected by an outage on Wednesday from 10am to 5pm.

Galway County Council and Irish Water are also advising residents in a number of other townlands that their water supply will be affected tomorrow from 10am to 4pm.

These areas are Kilconly, Ratesh, Shrule, Liss, Gurraun, Logawannia, Rockwood, Corrandulla, Annaghdown, Ballyfruit GWS, Cloghanower GWS and Keekill GWS.

Headford town itself will not experience any water outages.

Towns in Galway sought to build new Sanctuary Runners groups

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November 1, 2022

galway daily news sanctuary runners 2022 — Former Irish international athlete and 100m record holder, Ailís McSweeney, Ignatia Ndlovu from South Africa, Annemarie Sheehan, Santuary Runners, Graham Clifford, CEO and founder of the Sanctuary Runners, Andrii Starovoitenko from Ukraine, Oksana Khvostikova from Ukraine and 11-year-old Viktor Khvostikov from Ukraine. Photo: Julien Behal.

The Sanctuary Runners are calling on people in towns across Galway to come together to form new running, jogging and walking groups.

Launching the new Side-By-Side programme this week, the initiative hopes to build groups in 50 new towns across the country.

Focusing on community integration and bringing people together to the benefit of all, the initiative will focus on areas to which Ukrainian and other people have moved in recent months and years.

The new ‘Side by Side Programme’ will build on the work of the Sanctuary Runners which has attracted the support of almost 10,000 runners, joggers and walkers over the years – with almost a quarter of those being people who either are, or were, living in Direct Provision.

Ailís McSweeney, Ireland Lead Manager with Sanctuary Runners said they have already received great support from the people of Galway for our work.

“This new programme will seek to build groups in towns to which people have moved in more recent times – people from Ukraine and also those from other countries,” said Ailís.

“We’ve seen over the years how running or walking shoulder-to-shoulder on one team can be such a vital tool for community integration, for welcoming people who might be afraid, isolated and worried – and also for building stronger communities. Also, it’s lots of fun and good for everyone’s health.”

Focusing on solidarity over charity, the initiative already has groups in 30 locations across Ireland and three in the UK, with plans to expand to Germany and Belgium in the coming months.

Sanctuary Runners’ founder and CEO Graham Clifford said that he is ‘so proud that this is an Irish initiative’.

“It’s about being the change we want to see as individuals, doing our bit one step-at-a-time to build stronger communities for all. It’s about being sound and decent.”

The programme is supported by the Ireland for Ukraine Fund, and the Sunflower Foundation Fund, both managed by the Community Foundation for Ireland (CFI), and the One Foundation.

If interested in starting a Sanctuary Runner group in your town, please contact Annemarie Sheehan, Community Development Lead, at annemarie@sanctuaryrunners.ie.

All new groups will be given Sanctuary Runner tops, a toolkit and guidance on how to start and structure your group.

Driver caught going 97kmh in 50kmh zone in Baile an Phoill

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November 1, 2022

Galway Daily news Increase in use of speed cameras on roads

A motorist was caught driving at almost twice the 50kmh speed limit in Ballinfoyle on Bank Holiday Monday as part of a Garda crackdown on speeding over the weekend.

The driver was going 97kmh on Bóthar na dTreabh (N6) on the outskirts of the city.

Gardaí caught 524 drivers yesterday travelling over the speed limit, including one motorist going 176 kmh in a 120kmh on the M7 in Laois.

An Garda Síochána and GoSafe checked the speed of 98,184 vehicles as part of their operations across the country.

University of Galway prepares for postgrad Open Day

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November 1, 2022

University of Galway’s autumn open day for postgraduate students next Tuesday will focus on the affordability of postgrad studies and the funding opportunities that are available.

The Open Day takes place on Tuesday, November 8 from 12 to 3pm in the Bailey Allen Hall, Áras na Mac Léinn.

The event will showcase the full-time and part-time postgraduate programmes available at the university, including taught and research masters, as well as doctoral research options.

There will be a number of talks including a panel discussion on career pathways, grant opportunities, postgraduate funding and the application process.

The talks will also include a presentation on the Hardiman PhD Scholarship Scheme, as well as Postgraduate Application Tips and How to Write an Effective Personal Statement, a presentation by staff from the Career Development Centre and the Admissions Office.

As part of University of Galway’s strategic focus on recognising excellence and success, all EU postgraduate students with a first class honours in their undergraduate degree are eligible to apply for a €1,500 scholarship towards their taught Masters at the University.

Emily Atkinson, graduate of the MSc in Consumer Psychology, was awarded an Excellence Scholarship.

“The postgraduate scholarship is a fantastic opportunity that rewards and incentivises the hard work it takes to achieve first class honours,” she said.

“The scholarship allowed me prioritise finding the right postgraduate course for me, and to focus on my studies during my Masters.”

Valerie Leahy, Postgraduate Recruitment Officer, University of Galway, said they especially encourage visitors considering a return to university studies to attend the open day.

“Almost half of those applying to our postgraduate courses are not recent graduates, they are returning to study or upskill for their current job.

“Support is offered to those who have been out of the education system for some time and our research shows that students from industry or the home returning to education flourish academically.”

University of Galway introduces new innovative postgraduate programmes annually, many of which are unique offerings.

These are designed to meet industry needs and market-demand. New courses for entry 2023 include MA (Languages & Business), MSc (Cybersecurity Risk Management), and MSc (Health Data Science).

A range of new Structured Masters’ Programmes are also on offer in French, German, and Spanish.

Hospitality professionals can avail of the Shannon College of Hotel Management’s new PgCert programme in Hospitality Management, designed to develop knowledge of systems, trends, and business applications.

Information on all new programmes, along with University of Galway’s 200 other postgraduate programmes, will be available at the exhibition in the Bailey Allen Hall.

Booking in advance is required and is available at www.universityofgalway.ie/postgraduate-open-day.

Students’ Union launches Wasted Week

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November 1, 2022

galway daily news students union galway wasted week — Pictured (Left To Right): Vickie Popoola, Imogen O’Flaherty Falconer, Joe Mee, Sai Gujulla and Malena Thren

University of Galway Students’ Union has launched its Wasted Week which will run from 7 to 11 November.

The week will look at environmental issues such as food waste, recycling, sustainable transport, litter and fast fashion.

The Union is collaborating with a number of groups from the University of Galway and Galway City to highlight these issues throughout the week.

An Mheitheal Rothar (Galway’s Community Bike Workshop) will be running a free bike clinic where students can get their bikes checked. Galway City Council will be hosting a Q&A event on Wednesday and giving away free food waste bins.

On Friday students will be doing one of their monthly clean-ups to make Galway a cleaner, greener place.

Students’ Union President Sai Gujulla said they are delighted to be hosting their first Wasted Week to encourage students to become more sustainable and environmentally conscious.

“Many of our students cycle to campus so it’s great to partner with An Mheitheal Rothar to make sure they will be safe on the roads this Winter as they make sustainable transport choices,” he said.

Students’ Union Environmental and Sustainability Officer Malena Thren added: “It’s fantastic to have the support of so many of our own student societies and Galway City Council for Wasted week.

“University of Galway students are very climate conscious and want to play their part in making Galway and the world a better place for us all.”

Long Covid clinics recruit just one third of necessary staff

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November 1, 2022

Just one third of the staff needed to manage patients with long Covid have been recruited to specialist clinics, Deputy Denis Naughten has said.

The HSE told the Roscommon-Galway TD that just 22.5 WTE posts have been filled out of 70 posts needed to operate 14 specialist long Covid centres across the country.

Clinics in Galway, Letterkenny, Limerick and Beaumont Hospitals have failed to fill any of the posts allocated by the HSE and just one of the St James Hospital clinics in Dublin has a full complement of staff.

Deputy Naughten said that it is clear that this issue is not getting the priority that it deserves.

“A research paper which I commissioned over the summer from the Oireachtas Library & Research Service clearly indicates it is not just cardiac and respiratory issues that long Covid patients are experiencing but many are facing neurological issues as well,” he said.

“This research is supported in correspondence to me from the Health Minister Stephen Donnelly and the HSE on the need to recruit neurological consultants to treat people with long Covid.”

He said that despite the medical research, the HSE has only recruited one neurologist based at St James Hospital for long Covid patients across the country.

“Clearly the review of medical specialities across all 14 centres has culminated in the addition of just one full psychiatrist post,” said the local TD.

“Based on an analysis that I performed there are 336,451 adults nationally who are likely to be suffering from some of the 200 medical conditions associated with long Covid.

“If even a small proportion of the 336,451 adults with long Covid present at GP surgeries and are referred on for medical tests at our hospitals, it will significantly add to the already record-breaking 625,000 outstanding outpatient appointments and will no doubt contribute to the record numbers on trolleys in hospital this month.”

Students urged to apply for SUSI grants before Thursday deadline

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November 1, 2022

galway daily news report finds students are living in fear of eviction

Higher Education Minister Simon Harris has urged students who have not already done so to apply to the Student Grant Scheme before the deadline for applications this week.

Those who are eligible will receive an additional payment before Christmas and increases in all maintenance grants will come into effect in January.

Applications for student grants will close this Thursday, 3 November. To apply after the closing date, students must contact SUSI to make a late application request.

Speaking yesterday, Minister Harris said there is still time to apply to SUSI for your student grant.

He said students and their families are feeling the cost of living challenges, and that it is important they know there is help there.

“The Student Maintenance Grant will have an additional payment in December for all maintenance grant holders and the maintenance grant itself will be increased effective from January by at least 10%,” he said.

“I would encourage anyone to make the application and find out if you can avail of these important supports.”

To apply, register with SUSI and submit an application online. Students will need their Personal Public Service (PPS) number, an email address and a phone number.

An additional SUSI maintenance grant payment will be paid on 16 December 2022. This includes PLC, undergraduate and postgraduate students getting the Special Rate of Grant.

The student contribution is reduced by €1,000 for undergraduate students who are eligible for free fees.

Students on the 50% student contribution rate see a benefit of €500 by their contribution reducing from €1,500 to €1,000.

Those who paid the contribution and are due a refund must provide the college with their bank details by 30 November 2022.

Eligible postgraduate students who qualify for the postgraduate fee contribution grant will get a once-off increase of €1,000 (from €3,500 to €4,500).

The Most Common Bonuses at Bookmakers Explained

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Thomas O'Brien

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November 1, 2022

With one of the biggest sporting events just on the horizon – The World Cup – bookmakers are getting ready for the influx of new bettors. Whether it’s betting on the outright winner or just one of the games, people are sure to be taking a punt during the tournament.

For people who are new to placing bets, the bonuses that are offered for joining can be confusing. We’re going to break down some of the most common bonuses at online bookmakers UK players might find and whether they’re worth claiming.

Free bet

Probably the simplest bonus that online bookmakers can make, with these types of bonuses they will simply give you a set amount of money to place on any bet. These bonuses are usually tied to a certain amount deposited i.e. deposit €10 and get a €5 free bet.

You can’t simply withdraw the money that’s given to you in the free bet though – it has to be wagered. If you wagered the free €5 in the above example and won €20, then you would be able to withdraw the €20 you had won.

Many people use these free bets on an accumulator as it gives them a chance to win big without putting any of their own money down. If you’re planning on doing this though, make sure you check to see if there’s a maximum withdrawal for any winnings in the terms and conditions.

No deposit bonus

No deposit bonuses are the closest thing you can get to actually being given free money to bet with. With these, you’re given credit into your account to play with as soon as you sign up. Because this is essentially free money given to you, the amounts given aren’t that much – somewhere between €5 and €25 usually.

If you use this free credit to make a bet and win, you can take the winnings, however. In this way, it works very similarly to the free bet bonus, only you don’t need to deposit any money to claim it.

As you can imagine, these types of bonuses are incredibly rare and most often pop up for major events or when a sportsbook is first opening to drive new customers.

Risk-free bet

Risk-free bet bonuses are becoming increasingly common at online sportsbooks and you can find them quite easily. Risk-free bets are quite straightforward – if the bet you place using the bonus loses, you receive something back in return.

The return that’s given to you if your bet doesn’t come in is usually your original stake credited back to your account although some casinos give you a percentage of your stake back.

Deposit Match

A deposit match offer involves the bookmaker matching your deposit in bonus credit up to a certain amount. You’ll often find bonuses of this kind offering a 100% deposit match. So if you deposited €100 with this bonus, you’d get €100 free to bet with a 100% deposit bonus.

You need to thoroughly read through the terms and conditions when claiming a match deposit bonus as there may only be certain sports you can bet on with the bonus money or other terms.

Enhanced odds

An absolute hit at land-based bookmakers, enhanced odds is easily one of the most common bonuses you’ll find both online and offline. These are incredibly simple to understand – the online bookmaker simply boosts the odds on one of its bets. So an example in the world cup may be boosting the odds of Portugal winning from 4/1 to 7/1.

Some online bookmakers will offer boosted odds only for a player’s first bet or regularly offer it through a loyalty program. Some bookmakers even just offer an enhanced odds bonus every now and again to stay competitive.

You’ll often find these bonuses with a capped maximum stake though to offset the boosted odds. As always, make sure to read through the terms and conditions before you claim this bonus to see what the maximum stake is.

Conclusion

Whether you’re betting on the World Cup or the Senior Football Club Championship, make sure you use this guide and find a great bonus if it’s your first time betting – and have fun!

Disappointment as no return of Ice Skating rink in Salthill this Christmas

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October 31, 2022

Galway Daily news Disappointment as no return of Ice Skating rink in Salthill this Christmas — Galway Skates via Facebook

The crisis in business and event insurance has struck another popular Galway amenity, with no ice skating coming to the city this Christmas.

Galway Skates announced this week that they will be unable to open in Salthill this holiday season, as they’ve not been able to secure insurance.

The business was critical of an insurance industry that “simply doesn’t care”, despite their excellent insurance history.

The popular skating rink had already been cancelled the past two Christmases running due to COVID-19, and people were looking forward to its return.

However, the business shared on facebook this week that, despite pandemic restrictions lifting, they will not be able to open in Salthill this December.

“Unfortunately the insurance crisis currently afflicting the leisure industry in Ireland now has another casualty.”

“Despite our excellent insurance history we have been unable to secure viable insurance and therefore will not be able to open Galway Skates this Christmas.”

“We are so sorry that we won’t be part of Christmas in Galway this year but please rest assured that we did everything we possibly could to secure viable insurance and unfortunately were completely frustrated by an insurance industry that simply doesn’t care.”

“Thank you to all those who skated with us previously and sorry again that we can’t be with you this Christmas”

Planning refused for large Oranmore housing development

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October 31, 2022

Galway Daily news Planning refused for large Oranmore housing development

Galway County Council has refused planning permission for a residential development of over 100 houses and apartments in Oranmore.

Approval was sought by Corestone 16 Ltd to build a housing estate on a 3.1ha site on the Coast Road, Oranmore, next to the train station.

The plans were for an estate of 36 one-bedroom apartments; 14 two-bed duplexes; 14 three-bed duplex units; 6 three-bed, semi-detached houses; 26 four-bed, semi-detached houses; 3 four-bed, detached houses; and 2 five-bed detached houses.

The original application made to the county council was for 91 homes, but this was increased in revised plans submitted after the council requested further information on multiple issues.

The council’s initial assessment had asked Corestone to consider a higher density development.

The plans also included the construction of a creche with an outdoor play area, which was to have the capacity to care for 41 children.

The council inspector’s report on the application stated that it seemed to have been “designed in isolation in a piecemeal and incoherent fashion”, without regard for the surrounding area.

There were strong public objections to the proposal, with nine submissions initially made to the council with multiple concerns, including one signed by eight local residents.

Later submissions after further information was submitted included a petition signed by approximately 40 local residents objecting to the plans

The county council refused planning permission for the development on three grounds, 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.

The council also said that the proposal fails to take into account the wider Urban Framework Plan for the Garraun area, part of the new County Development Plan, and its objectives.

The final reason for the refusal was that the council was not satisfied that the applicant had made proposals that would satisfy their obligations towards the provision of social and affordable housing.

Headford Lace Project celebrated in book on heritage preservation

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October 31, 2022

Other Stories Mayo Group — Kathleen McMahon and Ester Kiely, Headford Lace Project with representatives of the local heritage projects, ICOMOS Ireland and the NMI - Country Life.

The invaluable work Mayo and Galway organisations are doing to research, revive and archive native craft heritage, enhance tourism and celebrate culture and identity is celebrated in a new book, copies of which are now available for free.

The positive impact the Great Western Greenway and Headford Lace Project are having is celebrated in a new Other Stories, Cultural Heritage & Society book officially launched at the Mayo Country Life Museum in recent days.

The community-based Headford Lace Project has done Trojan work to research, revive and reimagine local lacemaking heritage which has its roots in Headford in circa 1766.

The impact of Ireland’s first ever greenway, the Great Western Greenway, is also celebrated in the beautifully crafted book launched in the presence of the local groups and representatives of International Council on Monuments & Sites (ICOMOS) Ireland and more.

ICOMOS Ireland funded the free book which showcases the work and importance of 15 culture, heritage and society projects on the island of Ireland and gives a voice to those involved in the form of personal reflections.

Oein de Bhaidúin, National Museum of Ireland, contributed to the event and welcomed everyone to the event.

Speaking at the in-person launch, ICOMOS Ireland Vice Chair, Paul McMahon, said: “The Faro Convention emphasises the important aspects of heritage as they relate to human rights and democracy. It promotes a wider understanding of heritage and its relationship to communities and society.

Paul McMahon, vice chairperson, ICOMOS Ireland

“The Convention encourages us to recognise that objects and places are not, in themselves, what is important about cultural heritage.

“They are important because of the meanings and uses that people attach to them and the values they represent.”

Kathleen McMahon of the Headford Lace Project said that the publication and book tour events are important.

“We are what we come from and if we don’t stand up to preserve our heritage it will be lost and then we lose part of ourselves. It is also important to remember the people that have gone before us.”

Other Stories was launched at an online event by Heritage and Electoral Reform Minister, Malcolm Noonan, T.D., as part of the ICOMOS Ireland annual Maura Shaffrey Lecture during the pandemic.

ICOMOS Ireland undertook the research and advocacy project to highlight the spirit and principles of the Faro Convention as expressed in an Irish context.

Minister Malcolm Noonan said: “This is a wonderful culmination of a lot of collaborative effort and brings together many projects based on our common heritage and cultural values.”

“In it are many stories of various projects around our country that bring about a whole new understanding of the cultural values that are really important to us.”

The specially selected projects include in the book are X-PO, 14 Henrietta Street, The Bridge Street Project, Kilmuckridge Song Project, Diamond War Memorial, Foyle Punt, Meitheal Mara, Battles, Bricks and Bridges, Headford Lace Project, Great Western Greenway, Irish Seed Savers, Thomastown Community River Trust, Bi Urban, Migrant Women: Shared Experiences, Missling on the Tobar.

Galway Hotels triumph at 2022 Irish Hotel Awards

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October 31, 2022

Galway Daily life & style Galway Hotels triumph at 2022 Irish Hotel Awards

It was a great evening for a large number of amazing hotels in Galway last week at the 2022 Irish Hotel Awards, raking in multiple crowns.

The Irish Hospitality industry gathered together for the ceremony to celebrate the best and the brightest across a range of categories.

With over 70 hotels named finalists across a range of categories the competition was fierce on the night.

Murray’s Inishbofin Doonmore Hotel on the island of Inishbofin was named the Best 2-Star Hotel in all of Ireland, celebrating their success online after narrowly missing out on other prizes.

Murray’s Doonmore Hotel Inishbofin. Photo Murray’s Doonmore via Facebook

“Having been nominated for several hotel and restaurant awards this season, only losing out to exceptional competition, it was fantastic to win the Best 2 Star Hotel Award in Ireland at Monday night’s Irish Hotel Awards.”

“Unfortunately we were unable to attend but the Irish Hotel Awards team made up for that by videoing the ceremony and making the presentation one to be remembered.”

“Special thanks to all their team and indeed to the attendees on the night from all the other hotels for their reaction.”

Delphi Lodge Hotel in Connemara also took home the Gourmet Getaway of the Year Award for Connacht, as well as the National Prize.

Delphi Lodge Hotel. Photo Credit: Delphi Lodge/Facebook

Operations Manager Natasha Daly said that she was “over the moon” with the award, which puts Delphi on the map on Galway’s growing foodie scene.

She thanked chefs Shane Sheedy and Kevin Hyland, along with all the staff who’s hard work made this possible.

It was also a tremendous night for the Connacht Hospitality Group at the Irish Hotel Awards in the Radisson Blu Hotel in Athlone last week.

The Connacht Hospitality Group was represented by Hyde Hotel and the Connacht Hotel both of which had a very fruitful night at the Midlands venue.

Celebrations for the Connacht Hospital Group at the 2022 Irish Hotel Awards

Hyde Hotel was named Boutique Hotel of the Year in Connacht and subsequently took home the National Award in a very keenly contested category.

The venue was also recognized as having the Best Hotel Bar in Connacht, with the stunning Hyde Bar getting wonderful recognition from the judges.

Its sister property The Connacht Hotel also had a successful night; it was awarded the Best Family Hotel in Connacht and the Best Three Star Hotel in the province.

Group General Manager of the Connacht Hospitality Group Wayne Neilon was delighted with the haul on the night.

“These awards are simply down to the great team across our group, the feedback reports from the judges identified a number of excellent interactions that they had with members of staff.”

He added that the most satisfying part was seeing, “Our hard working teams getting the recognition from and external group, reinforcing what we already know to be true, that Connacht Hospitality Group have Galway covered for top class hospitality”

The Lough Rea Hotel & Spa also had a triumphant night, taking home the Best in Connacht Awards for both the Excellence in Service Award, and the Spa Experience of The Year Award.

The Irish Hotel Awards celebrates the commitment and dedication of the hospitality industry across the island of Ireland.

Unlike some awards, judges visit each property and offer a detailed insight into the visitor experience.

Each finalist receives a 280 point report offering feedback on each department in the property.

Warning as Galway braces for gales and more heavy rain on Wednesday

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October 31, 2022

Met Éireann has issued a status yellow wind warning ahead of widespread gales and potential wave overtopping on Wednesday.

The warning will be in place in Galway and all counties in the Republic from 4am until 9pm on Wednesday.

It will be windy with widespread gales, southerly veering westerly, and severe and damaging gusts may occur.

There is a potential for localised wave overtopping along Atlantic coasts and a spell of heavy rain could lead to flooding in places.

Homelessness continues to rise across West

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October 31, 2022

Galway Simon Community has warned that it is highly concerned with the continuing upward spiral of homelessness across the west of Ireland.

The charity attributes the rise to multiple factors which have led to a “terrible perfect storm”.

The latest figures reveal that in September, there were 95 families including 209 children living in Emergency Accommodation across Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.

This was an increase of 39% on the previous year and a record high figure of families homeless in the West.

With rental prices continuing to escalate and the number of landlords leaving the market increasing, as well as a record low availability of affordable accommodation, Galway Simon says it is extremely concerned about the coming winter.

According to the latest Daft.ie Rental Report, rents have continued to surge upwards in the first half of the year 2022 with rents in Connacht-Ulster now 15% higher than a year ago.

Average rents showed a further increase on the last quarter, with average rents now standing at €1,663 in Galway City and €1,184 elsewhere in the county.

They also reported the lowest supply on record since 2006 in Connacht/Ulster, with just 110 homes available to rent on 1 August 2022.

Karen Golden, CEO Galway Simon Community, said that the increasing cost of rent and the lack of availability of affordable accommodation are the main factors driving individuals and families into homelessness.

She said that supporting people to source affordable rented accommodation is an important part of Galway Simon Community’s work, but that sourcing affordable accommodation has become ‘increasingly difficult’.

“Our team are doing all we can to support people and we are really concerned about the coming winter,” said Karen.

“With people already unable to access affordable accommodation, rising fuel and food poverty is further compounding an already critical situation.”

Although initiatives announced in Budget 2023 were welcomed, the charity remains deeply concerned that more needs to be done to stem the number of families facing the trauma of homelessness in the West this winter.

“The measures implemented will bridge a gap and the proposed eviction ban will help to safeguard people in the coming months but while the moratorium is in place we should look to implement actions that will have a positive long-term impact on addressing homelessness,” Karen added.

“We are calling for immediate action to bring 5,000 vacant properties back into use, through the Repair and Lease Scheme for people in homelessness and on the social housing waiting list. We also propose increased funding towards homeless prevention and reform of HAP rates.

“The government also need to work with landlords to see how they can be encouraged to stay in the private rental market.

“We have people coming to us for help, who would never have thought they would need to avail of our services but are now living in fear of becoming homeless.”

Haunting Halloween in a Creepy Castle

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October 31, 2022

Galway Daily life & style Haunting Halloween in a Creepy Castle

If you go down to the woods today, you had better go in disguise; especially if you are visiting the woodland pathway to Aughnanure Castle.

For if you visit the castle near Oughterard in a brilliant Halloween disguise, you stand a chance to win one of three prizes.

The castle, curated by the OPW, will be free for all to enter on Halloween, Monday, October 31 to encourage as many bodies as possible to visit the historic site.

Over the day, from 9.30 am to 5.15 pm, the castle will be judging castle entrants and awarding prizes of €50 to the best-dressed family, and individual prizes of €30 each for the best (or worst) dressed visitors under 10 years of age; and for those over the age of ten.

The 23-metre tall tower house and its grounds will also be decorated for the day with appropriate scenery and props, and who knows?, you might feel the spirit of Murrough na dtuath O’Flaherty (Murrough of the Battle-Axes) haunting the Lordly home of the ‘Ferocious O’Flahertys’ during your stay there.

Climb the spiral stairs to the top of the 15th century fully restored tower house itself, admire the deadly defenses, explore an unusual double-defensive surrounding wall with bastions, imagine pirates sailing into the dry dock, create an eerie echo in the ‘oriental’ watchtower, and visit the remains of a once-magnificent banqueting hall.

Ask the guides for a hair-raising horror story, or even a horrible history and, if they are not too tired from beating off the four species of bat that haunt the castle, you may get a bone-chilling feel of what it was like to live in Galway in the Middle Ages.

If you are travelling in a group, please call in advance at 091 552214

Third Mum Talks event to take place in Galway city

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October 31, 2022

The third Mum Talks Galway Meet Up event will take place on Monday 14 November in the g Hotel in Galway city from 10am to 11.30am.

The Mum Talks community supports and inspires women throughout their journey of motherhood with meet-ups, events, talks and workshops.

There will be three guest speakers on the morning covering an array of topics all focused on the mum and the journey of motherhood.

On the panel for the upcoming event are The Navigation Coach Tara Rafter, journalist and author Edel Coffey and nutritionist Sinead Bradbury.

Mothers will be welcomed into a comfortable and friendly environment, and they are welcome to bring their babies, to come with friends or on their own.

Joanna Cluskey, Mum Talks Galway Ambassador, said that mothers are sure to meet like-minded, friendly faces all going through the same journey.

“On the morning you will love listening to our panel of speakers while enjoying a yummy breakfast with copious amounts of tea and coffee! We guarantee when you leave you will feel uplifted, inspired and empowered,” she said.

There is also a Mum Talks Meet Up taking place in Dublin, Café en Seine on Friday the 11th November.

Attendees will enjoy a delicious breakfast, meet other new mums and listen to three inspiring speakers: psychologist, Dr Rebecca Quinn; TV presenter, Anna Daly; and pre and postnatal personal trainer, Georgy Dillon.

Further details for all events and tickets can be found on Mum Talks Instagram @Mum_Talks and Mum Talks website.

Weather warning comes into effect in Galway

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October 31, 2022