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Road closed after man dies in two vehicle crash

By
Briain Kelly
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The road between Ennis and Portumna is closed tonight following a fatal crash earlier today.

A man in his 50s was killed following a two vehicle collision on the R352 at approximately 2pm on Thursday.

The crash involving a car and a truck occurred in the village of Clooney, on the outskirts of Ennis, Co. Clare.

The man’s body has been taken to University Hospital Limerick where a post-mortem will take place in the coming days.

The R352 (Ennis to Portumna road) is currently closed and local diversions are in place as a technical examination is carried out.

Gardaí say that the road is expected to remain closed overnight, and are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

Any road users with camera footage (including dash-cam) from the R352 Ennis to Portumna road and surrounding roads between 1.15pm and 2pm today, are asked to make this available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Ennis Garda Station on 065 684 8100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Water outages expected in Gort tomorrow

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Moycullen water outage

Water outages are expected in Gort tomorrow due to upgrade works taking place at the water treatment plant.

Upgrade works for the town’s water treatment plant are scheduled to take place between 6am and 3pm on Friday.

“Galway County Council working in partnership with Irish Water regrets any inconvenience that may be caused by these essential works,” a notice from the council said.

Parts of Oranmore may also experience water outages tomorrow, due to mains repair works scheduled to take place.

Irish Water will be carrying out repair works from 8am to 6pm on Friday.

These may disrupt the water supply to Castle Road, Oranmore, and surrounding areas in the town.

In both instances, it may take 2-3 hours after work is completed before people see their full water supply restored.

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

Galway hurling stars remember Niall Donohue with a star-studded charity match

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Briain Kelly
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Galway hurling stars remember Niall Donohue with a star-studded charity match

Galway’s biggest hurling stars will pay tribute to a teammate and raise funds for charity in the Niall Donohue Memorial Match next month.

The charity game will take place on December 10, where the Leinster title winning team of 2012 will take on a 2017 All-Ireland winning selection at Kilbeacanty GAA Club.

Some of the most famous names in Galway hurling will be there, with funds raised going to support Jigsaw, the youth mental health charity, and Kilbeacanty GAA.

Tickets for the game will be limited and are available on www.jigsaw.ie/hurlingforniall.

We are looking forward to playing in this memorial game to recognise our teammate and friend Niall Donohue,” said Tony Og Regan, spokesperson for the organising committee, and former county teammate of Niall.

“This game is also about raising awareness and funds to help meet the mental health challenges that affects many people in our families and communities.”

Niall Donohue played for Kilbeacanty and Galway as a minor, under-21 and senior.

In 2011, he won an under-21 All-Ireland before going onto win a senior Leinster title in 2012. Niall tragically died by suicide on 23rd of October 2013 at the age of 22.

Justin Fahey of Kilbeacanty GAA said, “We are very much looking forward to hosting the Niall Donohue Memorial Game in what will be a very special and poignant day for our club.”

“It will be a great privilege to have Niall’s former Galway teammates from 2012 and the 2017 All-Ireland winning team play a game in his memory at our newly redeveloped grounds.”

“A core aim of this event is to raise awareness of mental health and suicide in young people. We are honoured to partner with the youth mental health charity Jigsaw which does invaluable work in communities to assist young people who may be struggling.”

“Niall will never be forgotten in our club; he will always be our shining star and we will remember him at this special event on the 10th of December and we very much look forward to welcoming you all to Kilbeacanty”

The match will also be streamed online and will include expert panel for match analysis along with player interviews.

There will also be a series of activities taking place across the day at Kilbeacanty GAA Club and later that evening in McCarthy’s Bar, Kilbeacanty.

St Nicholas Christmas Market returning next month

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news St Nicholas Christmas Market returning next month

The much loved St. Nicholas’ Christmas Market will be making its return next month in time for some holiday season shopping.

The market, well loved for its craft good and food, will be open from December 14 – 22.

Applications are open for vendors who want a casual trading licence to run a stall at the market.

All applications for the Licence period must be completed electronically on the city council website here.

Atlantic Technological University Galway holding Open Day

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Atlantic Technological University Galway holding Open Day

Atlantic Technological University Galway is holding an Open Day this Saturday for school students, parents, teachers and mature applicants.

The Open Day will highlight the range of courses on offer across the university and information about student life and study.

The Open Day Galway City campus schedule (Dublin Road) includes talks on the CAO Application Process; Access options from the Disability and Learning Support Service and Access and Participation Office.

There will also be introductory sessions for all ATU Galway and Mayo Schools (faculty) and campuses along with Student Finance and Supports.

Members of the Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) team with also be present on the day to offer advice and support to students and their families on their application process.

Lorraine Cunningham, ATU Galway-Mayo Schools Liaison Officer, said, “We are really looking forward to hosting our first Open Morning on ATU’s Galway City Campus at the Dublin Road since gaining university status.”

“This year we have had so much to celebrate with also marking our 50th year of delivering third level education to the region.”

“There will be regular tours of the campus and the facilities by our fantastic student ambassadors that will give a flavour of what it is like to be a student on programmes in ATU.”

CAO applications for 2023 will open tomorrow midday, on Friday, November 4.

Staff and students will be available to answer questions on all courses in Galway and Mayo in the areas of: Agriculture, Built Environment, Business, Computing, Creative Arts & Media, Culinary Arts, Hospitality and Event PR, Engineering, Furniture Design, Making & Technology, Heritage, Tourism, Nursing, Health Sciences & Social Care, Outdoor Education, Science, Teacher Education.

The following week, another Open Day will be held at the Atlantic Technological University Connemara campus.

To register for open day events at the ATU Campuses in Galway, Mayo, Sligo and Donegal visit  https://www.atu.ie/openday.

Green light for better Trout spawning grounds

By
Briain Kelly
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Brown trout -Gilles San Martin, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Work has been approved to make the Ross Hill River in Clonbur a better habitat for Brown Trout.

Inland Fisheries Ireland has been given the green light by the county council for habitat improvement works to Ross Hill River in Clonbur Woods.

The project will involve removing large amounts of deadwood and weeds, before installing gravel beds and deflectors to make the area a better spawning ground.

The second phase of the works will involve creating a new walkway linking with existing roads.

A Method Statement for the project said, “The Rosshill river provides excellent potential as a trout spawning stream.”

“It is proposed here to improve access along substantial stretches of the river so that the existing gravel beds can be augmented and new beds can be created in areas where there is little to no substrate.”

“Trout would also benefit from the addition of structure that will maintain pools where they can rest in safety during their migration and spawning.”

Planning permission for the project was granted by the county council with eight conditions, with the county council stipulating that work must be carried out in line with the Natura Impact Statement.

It was also a condition that biosecurity protocols and invasive species control measures must be adhered to, as set out in the report submitted with the application.

Galway Chamber 2022 Business Awards finalists

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily business Galway Chamber 2022 Business Awards finalists

The 2022 Galway Chamber Business Awards will take place this month, with the full shortlist of finalists confirmed.

A strong local connection, but a far-seeing global outlook is the theme of this year’s awards, which will be presented on November 18 at the Galmont Hotel.

This year’s awards include a newly created Culture and Creativity category, recognising the growing importance of this aspect of life in Galway.

Another key award, the Scale-Up/ Growing Business Award will recognise younger businesses who are growing and creating jobs at the forefront of enterprise in Galway.

The finalists of the Galway Chamber Business Awards are:

Scale-Up/ Growing Business Award

– GHR Consulting

– Buymedia

– Diligent

Sustainability Initiative Award

– Atlantic Technological University

– HID Global

– Self Help Africa

Marketing Excellence

– University of Galway

– Irish Socksciety

– Citylink

Best Small to Medium Enterprise

– Cityswift

– Kylemore Abbey

– EC Precision

Excellence Innovation

– Connacht Rugby

– Genesys

– MedScan3D

Best Customer Service

– The Wine Buff

– Western Motors

– Galway Bay Hotel

Culture and Creativity Award

– Branar

– Galway International Arts Festival

– Galway Community Circus

Accessibility, Diversity, and Inclusion Award

– Eye Cinema Galway

– Helium Arts

– Atlantic Technological University

President’s Award

This will be given to an individual who has made a contribution to the business life of Galway that is outstanding in every way.

Overall Business of the Year

The Overall Business of the Year 2022 award will be given to the company that distinguished itself among the other category winners as being outstanding in its field.

The 2022 awards taking place this month will technically mark two years worth of awards held in the same year.

The 2021 awards were meant to take place in December of last year, but due to COVID-19 were only held this Spring.

Four Connacht players named for Ireland ‘A’ Match Day Squad

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily sport Four Connacht players named for Ireland ‘A’ Match Day Squad

Four Connacht players have been named for the Irish national side that will face off against the All-Blacks at the RDS this weekend.

Dave Heffernan, Gavin Thornbury, and Cian Prendergast will all be starting for Ireland this Saturday, while Caolin Blade will be among the replacements.

Aside from Heffernan and Prendergast, the Ireland side ‘A’ features 10 players who played against the Māori All Blacks during the Summer Tour of New Zealand – Craig Casey, Gavin Coombes, Ciarán Frawley, James Hume, Jeremy Loughman, Michael Lowry, Joe McCarthy, Jimmy O’Brien, Tom O’Toole, and Nick Timoney.

Jamie Osborne is one of three from the Emerging Ireland squad in the starting line up alongside Prendergast and McCarthy.

Diarmuid Barron, Jack Crowley, Max Deegan and Calvin Nash, who were also on the Emerging Ireland Tour to South Africa, are named among the replacements.

Craig Casey will captain the side which features Jacob Stockdale, who last lined out for Ireland against Japan in July 2021, while among the replacements is Marty Moore whose last game for Ireland was against Scotland in March 2015.

Ireland ‘A’ v All Blacks XV (RDS, Friday, November 4th, 7.45pm)

15. Michael Lowry (Ulster/Banbridge) 1 cap
14. Jimmy O’Brien (Leinster/Naas) uncapped
13. Jamie Osborne (Leinster/Naas) uncapped
12. James Hume (Ulster/Banbridge) 3 caps
11. Jacob Stockdale (Ulster/Lurgan) 35 caps
10. Ciaran Frawley (Leinster/Skerries) uncapped
9. Craig Casey (Munster/Shannon) 5 caps Captain

1. Jeremy Loughman (Munster/Garryowen) uncapped
2. Dave Heffernan (Connacht/Buccaneers) 7 caps
3. Tom O’Toole (Ulster/Ballynahinch) 3 caps
4. Joe McCarthy (Leinster/Dublin) uncapped
5. Gavin Thornbury (Connacht) uncapped
6. Cian Prendergast (Connacht) uncapped
7. Nick Timoney (Ulster/Banbridge) 2 caps
8. Gavin Coombes (Munster/Young Munster) 2 caps

Replacements:

16. Diarmuid Barron (Munster/Garryowen) uncapped
17. Dave Kilcoyne (Munster/UL Bohemians) 48 caps
18. Marty Moore (Ulster) 10 caps
19. Ross Molony (Leinster/UCD) uncapped
20. Max Deegan (Leinster/Lansdowne) 1 cap
21. Caolin Blade (Connacht/Galwegians) 1 cap
22. Jack Crowley (Munster/Cork Constitution) uncapped
23. Calvin Nash (Munster/Young Munster) uncapped

 

Over 500 Ukrainian pupils in Galway primary schools

By
Michael Malone
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galway daily news University of Galway signs partnership with government of Ukraine

The number of pupils from Ukraine in primary schools in Galway has risen to 517, while the number in secondary schools fell to 293.

In last month’s figures, there were 496 Ukrainian primary school children and 311 secondary school students.

Nationally, there are now 12,544 pupils from Ukraine enrolled in primary and secondary schools.

To assist with the transition of Ukrainian refugees and their families into Irish schools Regional Education and Language Teams (REALT) continue to operate.

These are hosted by the 16 regional education and training boards around Ireland and staffed by regionally based education support personnel.

The Department of Education publishes the number of Ukrainian pupils in schools for each county every month.

Residential Zoned Land Tax draft map now available for public to view

By
Michael Malone
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Members of the public have until 1 January 2023 to check and make submissions on drafgalway daily news Residential Zoned Land Tax

Members of the public have until 1 January 2023 to check and make submissions on draft maps that show lands in Galway City which will be subject to the new Residential Zoned Land Tax.

The new tax is aimed at increasing housing supply by activating zoned, serviced residential development lands, including mixed-use lands.

Greenfield and brownfield land which is identified and is zoned for housing will be subject to tax from 2024.

The Draft Map is now available to view on Galway City Council’s website galwaycity.ie/rzlt, consult.galwaycity.ie and in its public offices.

Brendan McGrath, Chief Executive of Galway City Council, strongly urged people to assess the draft map published on the council’s website and make a submission before 1 January 2023 if needed.

“Galway City requires increased housing supply to meet our housing needs and the new tax aims to incentivise landowners to develop housing on serviced lands zoned for housing, both land with existing planning permission and land without.”

The Residential Zoned Land Tax is an annual tax, which will be first due in 2024 in respect of lands included on the final maps to be published by local authorities on 1 December 2023.

The Residential Zoned Land Tax will apply annually at a rate of 3% of the market value of the land. The tax will be administered on a self-assessed basis.

Homeowners will not have to pay the Residential Zoned Land Tax if they own a residential property which appears on the local authorities’ Residential Zoned Land Tax Maps, but which is subject to the Local Property Tax (LPT).

If a homeowner owns such a residential property, and the land/gardens/yards attached to it are greater than 0.4047 hectares, they will have to register for the Residential Zoned Land Tax with the Revenue Commissioners, but they will not be liable to pay the tax.

It will be possible to register for the tax from late 2023 onwards.

A homeowner may have to pay the tax if they own a residential property that appears on the local authorities’ Residential Zoned Land Tax maps that is not subject to the LPT.

LEADER funding to increase over next 7 years says Senator Kyne

By
Michael Malone
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Galway Daily news Galway Senator condemns "rotten, corrupt" saga at Inland Fisheries Ireland

The €9 million LEADER funding for Galway announced last week for the 2023-27 period must be taken in conjunction with the allocation for 2021-22, Senator Sean Kyne has said.

In response to political charges that there were funding cuts, Senator Kyne said that it is unfair to compare a 5-year period with a 7-year period.

He said that the total funding for Galway over the seven years is €12.6 million and that all LEADER areas have an increased allocation of ‘core programme funding’.

“Galway Leader companies, Forum and GRD do great work across Galway communities supporting projects in areas such as rural tourism and enterprise, youth, disadvantaged areas amongst others,” said the Fine Gael senator.

“I anticipate the usual engagement between communities and Leader companies to deliver the programme to 2027.”

Funding announced for 23 men’s sheds in Galway

By
Michael Malone
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galway daily news €3 million for funding community facilities in Galway

Men’s Sheds in Galway have been allocated almost €50,000 by Minister Heather Humphreys in new funding announced today.

Twenty-three sheds in Galway are amongst 400 nationwide to share €800,000 in funding, with each receiving grants of €2,000 to assist with running costs.

 The individual grants will be distributed via the Irish Men’s Sheds Association.

Announcing the funding today, Minister Humphreys said men’s sheds provide an absolutely invaluable service in communities the length and breadth of the country.

She said that they help tackle isolation and provide a welcoming and comfortable space for men to come together and socialise.

“And as we enter the winter period, the supports that our Men’s Sheds provide are even more important.”

Galway sheds to receive funding

Galway Lackagh Men’s Shed
Galway Loughrea Men’s Shed
Galway Men’s shed – City West – Galway
Galway Kinvara Men’s Shed
Galway Athenry Men’s Shed
Galway Salthill Men’s Shed
Galway Portumna Men’s Shed
Galway An Seid Cumann na bhFear
Galway Cró na bhFear Maighcuilinn
Galway Croí na Gaillimhe
Galway Headford / Solas Men’s Shed
Galway Ballybane Men’s Shed
Galway Ballygar Men’s Shed
Galway Oughterard Men’s Shed
Galway Dunmore Men’s Shed
Galway Ballinasloe Men’s Shed
Galway Tuam Men’s Shed
Galway Oranmore Men’s Shed
Galway Gort Men’s Shed
Galway Clarenbridge Men’s Shed
Galway Seid na bhFear Dhuiche Sheoigheach
Galway Roscam & Doughiska Men’s Shed
Galway Monivea Shed

Poultry owners told to keep flocks indoors amid bird flu risk

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Poultry owners told to keep flocks indoors amid bird flu risk

Farmers and any keepers of poultry are being told to house all of their birds from next week due to the risk of bird flu.

Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue made the order today, with regulations being issued under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.

It comes after the confirmation of a number of bird flu cases among wild bird since July.

In addition, two outbreaks of HPAI H5N1 have been reported in captive bird flocks in coastal areas of counties Dublin and Wicklow where HPAI H5N1 had been confirmed previously in wild birds.

The new regulations will come into effect next Monday, November 7.

Poultry flock owners are being urged to maintain strict biosecurity measures and report any disease suspicion to their nearest Department Veterinary Office.

It is important to note that there is no evidence of risk to humans associated with consumption of poultry or poultry products.

Properly cooked poultry products, including meat and eggs are safe to eat the Department has emphasised.

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has confirmed that although the H5N1 subtype can cause serious disease in poultry and other birds, the risk of infection to humans is considered to be very low.

However, members of the public are advised not to handle sick or dead wild birds and to report sick of dead wild birds to the Regional Veterinary Office or notify the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine through its Avian Influenza Wild Bird App.

Eyre Square road closure for Christmas Market next week

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway daily news Seven week road closure in downtown Galway City

Galway City Council has issued public notice of a road closure for the Christmas Market in Eyre Square again this December.

Eyre Square North will be closed to traffic from next Monday, November 7 until Saturday, December 24.

The road will be closed between the junctions with Eyre Street and Williamsgate Street.

Diversion routes will be available via Prospect Hill, Bóthar Úi Eithir, Forster St, Eyre Square, and Williamsgate Street.

Localised access will be maintained at all times.

Four Galway groups awarded funding to help integrate asylum seekers

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Four Galway community groups awarded funding for special transport vehicles

Four Galway based organisations have been awarded €66,850 for projects supporting the integration of asylum seekers into the community.

This funding is part of over €1.6 million announced by Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman under the International Protection Integration Fund 2022.

The Amdalah Africa Foundation, based in Galway City, has been awarded €20,000 for its ‘Talking Integration’ project.

Another €20,000 has been awarded to Croi na Gaillimhe (SVP) for their Asylum Support Service.

Le Chéile Gym, set up by migrant woman to provide free health & wellness support to refugees, will receive another €14,350.

Shining Light Galway has been awarded €12,500 for their work to support asylum seeking applicants.

Upon the announcement, Minister O’Gorman said, “The projects supported under this funding will go a long way towards integrating International Protection applicants into Irish society and breaking down barriers that exist within communities.”

“The broad range of initiatives that will now be made possible by the International Protection Integration Fund 2022 range from language and employment supports to projects aimed at combating racism and xenophobia as well as supporting health and wellbeing initiatives amongst many other exciting projects.”

“I would like to take this opportunity to commend the hard work of those in the not-for-profit sector for the work they do in supporting the needs of International Protection applicants.”

Asylum seekers in Galway will also benefit from funding for groups working in multiple counties, such as Badminton Ireland, which has been allocated €50,000 for its Integration Programme.

The Africa Solidarity Centre will receive €48,275 for its project ‘Understanding the Asylum Process’, and €36,000 has been awarded to the group Serve the City.

The Cuala Group has been awarded €39,500 for ‘The Culture Project’, the National Youth Council of Ireland will receive €49,895 for helping link young people with youth work opportunities.

LGBT Ireland will receive €38,797 for ‘Rainbow Refugees: Integration from Day
One’, and Places of Sanctuary has been allocated for €35,000 for its Schools Ambassadors project.

The final two awards that will affect people in Galway are €37,000 for the National College of Ireland: Early Learning Initiative; and €20,061 for Spirasi, which works with rehabilitating victims of torture.

In total, Minister O’Gorman announced funding for 67 projects and organisations this week, with grants of up to €50,000 available.

The creation of this fund comes from the government’s ‘A White Paper to End Direct Provision and to Establish a New International Protection Support Service’.

This puts greater emphasis on integrating asylum seekers into the community from when thy arrive in Ireland.

An Bord Pleanála rejects Oughterard Council housing project

By
Briain Kelly
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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

By
Briain Kelly
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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

By
Michael Malone
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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

By
Michael Malone
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0
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

By
Michael Malone
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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.

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