Vigil to mark 10 year anniversary of Savita

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October 23, 2022

People Before Profit Galway has demanded immediate action to address raw sewage flowing into the rivers and sea in four Galway towns.

An EPA report published last week found that raw sewage was being discharged into the environment every day durng the summer in An Spidéal, Roundstone, Ahascragh and Carraroe.

The report found that it will take a multi-billion euro investment and at least two decades to get treatment systems across the State up to standard.

The issues in Carraroe are not expected to be resolved by Irish Water until 2027, while in the other three Galway areas, new treatment plants will be functional by 2024.

But Adrian Curran of People Before Profit said that we need to see urgent action before the dates given by Irish Water.

He said that this pollution introduces a serious public health issue and damages our beaches and local environment.

In the climate and biodiversity crisis, Mr Curran said it is essential we do everything to protect these important species and their habitats.

“This has not been an overnight issue – it has been over 15 years since Ireland missed its deadline to comply with water standards set out to protect the environment,” he said.

On what action needs to be taken, Curran said significant investment in a complete upgrade of wastewater facilities is required in Galway.

“Improvements in Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems and facilitating more green spaces to prevent excess water build up.

“The law must also be changed, or at least better enforced, preventing these events from happening in the first place. The local government must step up and protect our natural resources.”

Galway towns sought for new community singing initiative

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October 23, 2022

A secular community singing initiative is looking to attract towns across Galway to sign up to its fun and inclusive movement over the coming weeks.

The One Town One Voice initiative aims to create community singing groups with Irish people and people from other countries.

The goal is to use communal singing to bring people together regardless of nationality, and to enhance community integration and build closer communities.

Founded by Graham Clifford, who also established the Sanctuary Runner movement, One Town One Voice is modelled on the success of a group in Cork.

The Fermoy International Choir in Cork has welcomed over 200 members from across 35 countries since it started in 2019, and has helped enhance community integration in the town where 23 percent of locals are originally from another country.

They have had singers from Ireland, South Africa, Estonia, Iran, South Korea, Germany, USA, Brazil, Lithuania, French Polynesia, the Netherlands, China, Portugal, Antigua, the UK, France, Ukraine, Poland, Italy, and the Czech Republic, among others.

Graham Clifford said that ‘the fun, craic, social nights out, the bonding, and the offshoot activities have all been amazing’ and that the group has energised the area.

He now hopes that more towns will become involved.

“It’s a lovely initiative and can be so impactful. Our towns are now more culturally diverse and we must ensure everyone feels part of their towns so that they can contribute and enjoy being part of an Irish community,” said Graham.

“We want people in towns across Galway and beyond who feel this is something which could work in their town to contact us.

“We’ll help with a little seed funding and provide a musical advisor to get them going.

“We want to establish One Voice Singers in towns, villages and communities right across Ireland.”

The One Town One Voice initiative is funded by the Tomar Trust – a philanthropic trust based in North Cork founded by the recently departed Dr Tom Cavanagh who was passionate about community integration.

It is hoped that each summer a festival will be held in Fermoy bringing together participating One Town One Voice groups from across the country to perform together.

To find out more or nominate your town as one of those to start a One Voice Singers group just email info@onetownonevoice.ie

Farrell calls for publication of senior civil servants’ pay

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October 23, 2022

galway daily mairead farrell td sinn fein nurses midwives pay

Galway West TD Mairéad Farrell has called for senior civil servants’ pay to be published to ensure accountability and transparency.

Her comments follow media reports that Secretary General salaries may not be made public by the government.

The Sinn Féin TD said senior civil servants’ pay should be published, as has always been the case.

She said that this is about ‘accountability and transparency’ with public money and that it is ‘quite astonishing’ to see a potential change in this practice suggested.

“At the time that the pay of the Secretary General of the Department of Health was increased by €81,000 we warned that, not only did that decision in itself lack transparency, but that there was a real risk of a knock-on effect of similar claims being lodged by other secretary generals,” said Deputy Farrell.

“Without transparency in relation to this we won’t know if this has happened.”

The Galway TD said that in order for the public to have confidence in how tax payers’ money is spent, it is crucial that there is full transparency.

“These salaries must be made public without any further delay. If the Department of Public Expenditure does not publish these salaries due to legal advice, then this legal advice must be made public so that it can be considered.”

Galway Led Zeppelin tribute band to play on night of Robert Plant

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October 22, 2022

A Led Zeppelin vibe will take over the city next Friday, October 28 when both Robert Plant and No Stairway return to the stages of Galway.

While the former Zep lead singer will be in the Town Hall Theatre performing roots and Americana music, No Stairway, the outstanding Galway Led Zeppelin tribute band, will be paying homage to the man and his stellar 1970s work, at Seven on Bridge Street.

Once Plant has concluded his gig, people can head down to No Stairway to hear classics like ‘Good Times, Bad Times’, ‘Whole Lotta Love’, ‘Black Dog’, ‘Communication Breakdown’ and of course ‘Stairway To Heaven’.

No Stairway is composed of some of Galway’s finest musicians: Steven Sharpe, on vocals, a devotee of Robert Plant, and a charismatic frontman in his own right; guitarist Ronan O’Malley, who is more than capable of recreating Page’s blistering riffs; Shane O’Malley (bass/keys), in the multitasking role of John Paul Jones; and drummer Bill Dunne, who will be performing that thunderous John Bonham percussion.

The quartet have a true love of this music and recreate Zeppelin’s live presence and studio albums as faithfully as possible.

Been a long time since you ‘Rock n’ Rolled’? Then make sure to catch No Stairway on Friday.

Admission is free. No Stairway play at 11pm. Support is from 4 Mile Circus at 10pm.

Tiny Mutiny awarded Begin Together Arts Fund grant

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October 22, 2022

galway daily news bank of ireland grant tiny mutiny

Ceannairc Beag Bideach – Tiny Mutiny is among 27 community projects to be awarded grants by the Begin Together Arts Fund.

The artist collective brings together two ensembles of children to create a vision for a child-centred cultural space in Galway.

The awardees were announced by Bank of Ireland in partnership with Business to Arts this week, with €300,000 being awarded for projects taking place between October 2022 and December 2023.

Recipients will receive up to €15,000 to support the creation of new works in music, theatre, dance, traditional arts, and the visual arts.

Since 2020, the all-island Begin Together Arts Fund has allocated €1 million in arts funding to support artists and arts projects in communities across the island of Ireland.

For this round of the fund, the projects supported aimed to inspire and uplift their local communities.

Laura Lynch, Group Chief Marketing Officer, Bank of Ireland, said they are delighted to support such a broad range of artists and local arts organisations across the island of Ireland through the fund.

“The arts and community projects like these each play a role in enhancing lives and connecting people, and so represent an important part of Bank of Ireland’s support for communities across Ireland through our Begin Together initiative.”

Louise O’Reilly, Chief Executive, Business to Arts, said that Bank of Ireland is demonstrating an authentic engagement with their local communities through the Begin Together Arts Fund.

“The response of the arts community itself has been overwhelmingly positive, knowing that a national institution has their back during difficult times,” she said.

Gráinne Seoige to explore menopause in new documentary

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October 22, 2022

galway daily news grainne seoige for new menopause documentary

Gráinne Seoige will explore the topic of menopause and how it is handled in Ireland as part of a new documentary on TG4 on 2 November.

The hour-long programme will look the various challenges associated with menopause, and Gráinne will meet women from across the country who share their personal stories.

She meets women such as Jess Ní Mhaoláin who speaks about her experience of early menopause and the difficulties that come with it.

Menopause coach and author Breeda Bermingham meets Gráinne to discuss the stigma that surrounds menopause, and its relationship with mental health.

The Galway presenter also speaks to Deirdre O’Kane about her recent comedy show which talks about the menopause, and the pair discuss the perception of menopausal women, especially those who work in the public eye.

To examine the role of the employer, Gráinne travels to Carlow to meet with Lorraine Garvey and Maeve McCleane who both work for Lidl, and the pair inform Gráinne about the company’s menopause policy.

She then connects with family friend Máire hOibicín Uí Eidhin and learns about how previous generations handled the topic of menopause.

A panel of experts also feature in the documentary to chat about various aspects of menopause including the connection between menopause and sex.

Throughout the documentary, Gráinne aims to ensure that the Irish people have access to accurate information around menopause, and she meets Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly to call for a national information campaign.

Armed with what she has learned from her conversations with the women she has met, Gráinne visits the Department of Health and speaks openly with the Minister and the lack of information and the need to inform women in particular about the menopause.

‘Meanapás: Meon Nua’ will air on TG4 at 9.30pm on 2 November.

Body found in search for young Sligo man

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October 22, 2022

galway daily news Galway University Hospitals holding Memorial Service

Gardaí have confirmed the identity of a man’s body in the Cleveragh area of Sligo yesterday evening.

They confirmed that the remains are that of 21-year-old Rodney Horan who had been missing from Colooney in Sligo since Sunday.

Gardaí thanked the public for their assistance in the search.

Cllr welcomes expansion of WestDoc service to east Galway

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October 22, 2022

Galway Daily news Plans submitted for new Galway City Primary Care Centre

Galway County Councillor Dr Evelyn Parsons has welcomed funding support for GP out of hours services in Ballinasloe and southeast Galway.

Denis Naughten TD confirmed to Cllr Parsons that €426,000 will be provided for out of hours GP services at the Dunlo Medical Centre and Marina House Medical in Ballinasloe as well as services in Lawrencetown, Kiltormer, Eyrecourt and Kilconnell.

Cllr Parsons said that this will ensure that the patients in these practices will be able to access the WestDoc out of hours GP service at last, a service which is available throughout the rest of the county.

She said that this will put the region on an even footing and attract more GPs to vacant posts in the area.

The news follows a meeting Cllr Parsons attended representing Deputy Denis Naughten TD in Leinster House with a number of Ministers and representatives.

The Independent councillor thanked the local GPs of the South East Galway Rota who brought this urgent issue to her attention.

She also thanked Deputies Denis Naughten and Sean Canney, as well as Minister Anne Rabbitte and cross-party support for putting forward the case at a meeting last week.

“I fully understand how essential an out of hours service is and especially so for this specific area which is both rural and urban with pockets of nationally recognised deprivation,” said Cllr Parsons.

“I want to thank the Minister for actively engaging and responding – there is no doubt that this funding is a major leap forward for patients care and ensuring continuity of doctor care in our area.”

Minister Donnelly opens new Cardiothoracic ward at UHG

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October 21, 2022

Galway daily news Minister Stephen Donnelly at uhg

Minister Stephen Donnelly visited University Hospital Galway today to meet with frontline staff and get an update on recent hospital developments.

During his visit Minister Donnelly officially opened the Cardiothoracic Ward which is a 13 bed ward for patients who are undergoing cardiothoracic surgery.

The ward includes three isolation rooms, three 2-bedded wards, a 4-bedded ward, a pre-assessment room and a waiting lounge.

Ten of the beds have been in use since May and a further three beds opened earlier this month.

The cardiothoracic ward cost €4.71m to design, build and equip and includes a state-of-the-art monitoring facility with telemetry and in-room monitoring.

Minister Donnelly said that the new ward embodies the reform being delivered through Sláintecare.

“This new infrastructure will enhance the permanent capacity of our health service,” he said.

“The ward will augment University Hospital Galway’s (UHG) role as a major clinical cardiothoracic service, supporting the many other specialties in UHG and the wider Saolta group of hospitals.

“This will benefit patients in the region and ensure the delivery of safe, timely access to high-quality care.”

Walsh Waste celebrates 50th birthday with special registration plate

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October 21, 2022

galway daily news walsh waste anniversary plate — Pictured taking delivery of their new Mercedes-Benz Econic are Gearoid and Tom Walsh of Walsh Waste, with Michael Gray of Logic Fleet (second left) and Fergus Conheady, Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles sales manager (left).

Local waste management company Walsh Waste is celebrating 50 years in business by displaying a specially commissioned registration plate on its new Mercedes-Benz Econic.

The 222-G-50 registration plate commemorates the birthday of the family-owned business which was created in 1972.

Since then, Walsh Waste has been providing collection and recycling services across the domestic, commercial, industrial and building sectors.

A Mercedes-Benz customer for 12 years, Walsh Waste managing director Tom Walsh said the appeal of the new vehicle is ‘the reliability of the previous Econic on the fleet, coupled with the suitability of its low entry cab for urban work.’

The Econic features a low entry cab with a pneumatic folding passenger door which can be opened with the touch of a button.

Inside, the cab comes fitted with seating for a driver and three passengers and is finished with panorama glazing to maximise visibility.

Spanish travel agents experience the best of Galway

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October 21, 2022

galway daily news tourism ireland and spanish travel agents in galway — Spanish travel agents with Cristina Espejo, Tourism Ireland (left), at Kylemore Abbey. Pic – Tourism Ireland

Twelve Spanish travel agents are exploring Galway and Ireland this week as guests of Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland.

The group’s action-packed itinerary includes a visit to Kylemore Abbey, a Galway food walking tour and an overnight stay in the Connacht Hotel.

The travel agents work with Special Tours, one of the largest traditional tour operators in Spain.

The aim of the visit is to familiarise the travel professionals with Ireland, so that when they return home, they will be better informed and more enthusiastic when advising their clients about planning and booking holidays here.

Susan Bolger, Tourism Ireland’s manager for the Spanish market, said they are delighted to invite this group of Spanish travel agents to explore Galway and Ireland this week.

“There really is no substitute for being able to come here and experience what Ireland has to offer at first-hand,” she said.

“Our aim is that when they return home, the travel agents will be even more enthusiastic about the destination, helping to secure a greater share of their business for Ireland in 2023 and beyond.

“Spain is an important market for tourism to Ireland and fact-finding visits like this are a key element of the work that Tourism Ireland undertakes with the important travel trade in Spain.”

Spain is the fifth-largest market for overseas tourism to the island of Ireland. In 2019, Ireland welcomed 431,000 Spanish visitors.

Revenue generated by Spanish visitors that year was €218 million.

New Tesco opens at Siopa an Phobail in Inverin

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October 21, 2022

A new Tesco has opened its doors at Siopa an Phobail in the Gaeltacht village of Indreabhán today.

Store manager, Majella Conneely, a native of Indreabhán, welcomed the first customers into the store which will bring employment to the local community.

The Tesco/ Siopa an Phobail will offer customers several local Galway producers including An Garraí Glás, All about Kombucha and West Ireland Art.

It will employ local colleagues, the majority of whom are native Irish speakers and will operate as gaeilge.

Geoff Byrne, Chief Operating Officer, Tesco Ireland, said he is delighted to be in Indreabhán today to see the doors open on our latest store.

“It is a significant day for us as it will be our first store that we will operate through Irish and English,” he said.

“We welcome Siopa an Phobail to our store network and look forward to playing a big part in the local Indreabhán community for years to come.”

Majella Conneely, Store Manager, said: “Táim an-sásta fáilte a chur roimh chustaiméirí anseo inniu.

“The team and I are really excited to welcome customers into our store today.

“We have put in a lot of work to ensure that customer experience continues to be of the highest standard.

“We, at Siopa an Phobail, are all really looking to continuing our relationship with the local community while providing them with the benefits that Tesco brings.”

Plans for 50 houses in Loughrea rejected by An Bord Pleanála

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October 21, 2022

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

An Bord Pleanála has refused planning permission for a residential development of 50 houses in Loughrea.

Jardonelle Ltd sought approval for a housing estate on a 2.85ha site at Baunoge, Loughrea, east of the town centre.

The estate would have been comprised of 44 four-bedroom, semi-detached units, and 6 four-bedroom detached houses.

In December of last year, the county council refused planning permission for the development, citing concerns about its design and layout, a lack of open space, and road safety issues.

Jardonelle appealed this decision to An Bord Pleanála, which upheld the county council’s decision, citing much the same reasons.

This is the second time that Jardonelle Ltd have been refused planning permission for a residential development at this site.

In 2020, An Bord Pleanála overturned a decision by the county council to grant planning permission for 64 houses at Baunoge, after it was appealed on road safety concerns.

Malachaí flies into a rage about Sadie’s past in Ros na Rún

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October 21, 2022

Galway Daily television Malachaí flies into a rage about Sadie's past in Ros na Rún

Malachaí rages against Sadie, Evan questions whether he’ll help Andy, and Caitríona tries to drive David away in Ros na Rún.

Malachaí flies into a rage on hearing that Sadie and Cóilí Jackie were once engaged, an destroys one of her paintings.

Caitríona is desperate to get rid of David, and will do all she can to drive him away.

Laoise, on a major spring-clean of the B&B, accidently discards Peadar’s old chair. Will she get it back before Máire realises what has happened?

Michelle, feeling bad for Greg, hands him a cheque to give to his Dad, but he’s feeling guilty at having already scammed money from her.

Niall, not wanting to spend the day with Bobbi Lee’s new friend Vivienne, lies about Liam Óg being sick. Will that backfire on him?

Evan is a match and could donate bone marrow to Andy. But the question isn’t if he can, but if he will.

Catch up on all the latest in Ros na Rún in a double feature omnibus on TG4 this Sunday.

Free recycling of electric waste in Galway City

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October 21, 2022

Galway Daily news Free recycling of electric waste in Galway City

Galway City Council is urging people to avail of free recycling of electric equipment at retailers around the city.

Large electrical retailers in Galway City are required to accept household electrical equipment free of charge from members of the public as part of the ‘We’ll take it back’ campaign from WEEE (Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment) Ireland.

Tiarnan McCusker, Environmental Awareness Officer said, “Firstly, we need to refocus on reuse and repair as these are the most environmentally friendly options.”

“If the appliance has reached its end of life, then you have large electrical Retail shops right across Galway City which will take the appliances for free.”

“All electrical retailers are also required to take back household WEEE on a like for like basis when you purchase a new appliance.”

“In addition to that, Galway City Council are also required to take back household WEEE free of charge from members of the public at our Liosbaun Civic amenity site.’’

The 6 Galway City Businesses taking part in the ‘We’ll take it back’ campaign are:

Curry’s, Galway Retail Park, Headford Road
Harvey Norman, Gateway Retail Park, Knocknacarra
Peter Murphy Electric, Westside Shopping Centre
Cunniffe Electric, Galway Shopping Centre and Tuam Road
DID Electric, Briarhill Business Park and Terryland Retail Park
N17 Electrical & Furniture Superstores, Briarhill Business Park, Galway

Tony Cunniffe, from Cunniffe Electric said “As an electrical retailer with two stores in the City we are delighted to support the ‘We’ll take it back’ scheme operated by WEEE Ireland.”

“At a time when global input resources for electronic equipment are being stretched to the limit, reuse and recycling are more essential than ever before.’’

Night-time water restrictions on Inis Oírr lifted after more than six months

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October 21, 2022

Galway Daily news Ballyconneelly water outages

Night time water restrictions imposed on Inis Oírr more than six months ago have been lifted by Irish Water.

Water restrictions have been in effect on the Island nightly between 11pm and 7am and were introduced in order to conserve the low water resources on the Island.

These restrictions were imposed back on April 6, and have now been lifted with immediate effect.

Eoin Hughes of Irish Water said, “The restrictions were necessary over the summer months to ensure a continuous daily water supply was available for residents and businesses for hygiene and other essential purposes.”

“Supplies were increased by a significant amount of tankering of water by sea from Rossaveel over the past number of months.”

“Thankfully water reserves on the island have recovered and are currently sufficient to ensure a continuous water supply into the autumn.”

“Irish Water and Galway County Council will continue to monitor and maintain the supply for our customers on Inis Oírr.”

“We would like to thank residents, businesses and visitors to the Island for their conservation efforts during the restrictions.”

Missing teenage girl found safe and well

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October 20, 2022

Galway Daily news missing teen found safe

A teenage girl reported missing in Galway City since yesterday has been found safe and well.

Gardaí made a public appeal for help in locating 14 year old Mia O’Neill, who had been missing from the Salthill area since Wednesday.

An Garda Síochána have now said that she has been found safe and well.

Renewed appeal for witnesses to crash that killed woman in her 70s

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October 20, 2022

Gardaí are renewing their appeal for witnesses to a fatal crash that saw a woman in her 70s killed in the west of Ireland earlier this month.

The fatal road traffic collision involving a bicycle and a car happened on the N4 at the Collooney roundabout in Sligo on the morning of Sunday, October 2.

The cyclist, a woman aged in her 70s, was later taken to Sligo University Hospital where she received treatment for serious injuries. The woman has since passed away.

Gardaí are appealing to any witnesses of this incident or road users who may have video footage, to make this available to them.

In particular, any road users in the area between 11.40am – 12pm on Sunday, 2nd October, 2022.

Gardaí can be contacted at Sligo Garda Station on 071 915 7000, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.

Brain Tumour Ireland calls on Galway to #WearAHat

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October 20, 2022