University of Galway prepares for postgrad Open Day

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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

galway daily weather weather warning for heavy rain in effect

Met Éireann has said that heavy rain today will lead to disruption and localised flooding in Galway.

Status yellow rain warnings are in place across the island of Ireland today, except for Cork, Tipperary, Waterford and Kilkenny which were issued orange warnings for heavy rain.

The warning in Galway came into effect at 6am this morning, and will remain in place until midnight.

Drier, brighter weather will develop in coastal areas during the afternoon but rain will only slowly clear in the east during the evening.

Highest temperatures of 10 to 12 degrees are forecast, with fresh southerly winds easing through the day.

Met Éireann says tonight will be colder than recent nights as temperatures drop to between 4 and 7 degrees.

Some mist and fog patches will develop in light to moderate southerly winds.

“Fear and anxiety” at anti-social behaviour in Eyre Square

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October 30, 2022

Galway Daily news "Fear and anxiety" at anti-social behaviour in Eyre Square

Residents and business owners in the Eyre Square area are deeply concerned about anti-social behaviour and violence a Galway senator has said.

Senator Ollie Crowe said that violent behaviour in Eyre Square is becoming a major issue in the city, which needs increased Garda resources to address it.

“This has been an ongoing issue during the last two years. Although there have been quieter periods in that time, the problem has never been effectively addressed or stamped out. This situation cannot be allowed to persist.”

Senator Crowe said that he was raised just a short distance from Eyre Square, and is familiar with the area.

“I spoke to residents and business owners there again in recent days. Residents told me of being in a state of fear and anxiety, especially at night.”

“As Members will appreciate, businesses are already facing a challenge without people being reluctant to come to an area due to a growing reputation for hassle, antisocial behaviour, outdoor drinking and drug use.”

The Galway Senator referred to two very serious incidents in Eyre Square, one of which saw a young woman blinded in one eye after being struck by a firework while she was waiting for a bus last year.

A Dublin man is due to be sentenced for that assault at Galway Circuit Court next January, after pleading guilt to the attack.

In a more recent incident, a man in his 30s was taken to Beaumont Hospital after being attacked in Eyre Square on October 12.

Senator Crowe said that something must change, and compared it to the situation in Dublin, where increased Garda resources were allocated after the problems on O’Connell street came to greater public attention.

“Eyre Square is at the heart of our city. It is opposite the train and bus stations and is often the first impression visitors and tourists get of Galway.”

“The city has largely been a happy and safe place to live and to visit and we cannot allow the actions of a small minority of people to alter this,” Ollie Crowe said.

Senator Crowe said that Galway needs a similar response to Dublin, pointing out the unused former tourism kiosk in the square, which could be converted to Garda usage.

“Research has shown that Garda visibility is vital in reducing crimes. An enhanced Garda presence in Eyre Square is essential to ensure the safety of the area.”

CÚRAM awarded €14 million to train medical researchers

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October 30, 2022

Galway Daily news CÚRAM awarded €14 million to train medical researchers

University of Galway’s CÚRAM medical devices research centre has been awarded €14 million to train a new generation of researchers.

The funding will be used to create 50 postdoctoral fellowship opportunities in MedTrain+, an enhanced innovative training programme.

CÚRAM is hosted by University of Galway, with academic partners at 10 higher education institutions across Ireland. The new postdoctoral research positions will be based across all the partner institutions.

Professor Abhay Pandit said that CÚRAM is well placed to deliver this programme due to its “innovative strengths, active industry collaborations”, and mission to train researchers who can engage with the public.

“The MedTrain+ funding supports CÚRAM’s vision to be a global leader in creating and translating clinic-ready and patient-focused medical devices; to develop the next generation of industry-relevant, publicly engaged researchers and to become an anchor for industry applicable research.”

The MedTrain+ programme will run for five years, with fellows free to choose any research area within CÚRAM’s remit, as well as their supervisor and secondment organisation.

MedTrain+ research outputs will benefit outcomes for chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and musculoskeletal diseases.

It also offers fellows the unique opportunity to work in Europe’s first certified Green Lab at University of Galway

Enjoy Winter comfort food with the Sunday Roast at McSwiggans

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October 30, 2022

Galway Daily food & drink Enjoy Winter comfort food with the Sunday Roast at McSwiggans

Some things are timeless and the Sunday Roast is just that. Many food trends have come and gone but the comfort and nostalgia that Sunday Lunch evokes will always be part of Irish food culture.

McSwiggans Steak + Seafood Restaurant have launched their winter comfort menu with The Sunday Roast being the start of the show.

Every Sunday in Woodquay, they are extending an open door and an invite to people to join them for a family style Sunday Roast.

There you can feast on the Roast of the day (Tenderloin of beef, Pork Fillet or a whole roasted fillet of Salmon) cooked in their kitchen and paired with in season veg, creamy mash and slow cooked gravy.

Then, for afters, there is a selection of home baked desserts served with one of Ireland’s creamiest home churned Ice Cream. Lunch is served from 1pm.

The landmark bar and restaurant has been a part of Galway life for over 30 years, evolving from a lively country store trading potatoes in the iconic Woodquay Market to now being a welcoming place to eat the best of what Ireland has to offer on a plate.

Working with local suppliers and producers is why McSwiggans Steak + Seafood Restaurant has held its place on the very reputable Galway food scene map.

In September of this year, McSwiggans Steak + Seafood Restaurant opened the first Oyster bar in Galway as part of the International Oysters Festival and it is now fully stocked with Dooncastle Oysters.

The launching of the Oyster Bar downstairs was to celebrate seafood and to offer people in Galway the opportunity to enjoy Oysters in a very casual setting. P

op in for one or six, enjoy on a high stool or seated throughout the bar where suits you.

Ireland West Airport wins National Age Friendly Transport Award

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October 30, 2022

Ireland West Airport award — left to right: John McCarthy, Head of Operations & Commercial Services, Ireland West Airport, Maura Murphy, Age Friendly Programme Manager, Mayo County Council, Seamus Weir, Cathaoirleach, Mayo County Council, Marie Flanagan, Chairperson, Older Peoples Council Mayo, Sr Maureen Lally, Age Friendly Ambassador Mayo, Kevin Kelly, CEO, Mayo County Council

Ireland West Airport at Knock and Shannon Airport have been crowned joint winners of the Age Friendly Transport Award.

The two airports received this recognition at the National Age Friendly Ireland Awards this week.

The awards, which were held in Dromoland Castle, recognise and reward achievement in age friendly initiatives around Ireland.

Both airports became the first airports in the world to be recognised as Age Friendly, endorsed by the World Health Organisation (WHO), in June of this year.

The airports won best in their category for the vital difference that availability to good quality, easily accessible, user friendly and reliable transport options can make to an older person.

Managing Director of Ireland West Airport Joe Gilmore said, “We are delighted, alongside Shannon Airport to have won this prestigious national award which is due recognition for both our airports and the hard work our staff have done in creating a more age friendly environment at our respective airports.”

“I would like to express our sincere thanks to Mayo County Council, Clare County Council, Age Friendly Ireland and The Older Peoples Council Mayo for their support for this project, which contributed greatly to this award.”

“A special word of thanks to the airport staff and in particular our front line staff who all made this possible.”

“Through their continuous hard work our airport is now acknowledged as a world leader, alongside Shannon Airport, in providing a more age friendly environment”.

“Particularly for those most vulnerable in society who rely on that extra personal touch and care which can be so important to them as they journey through the airport”.

This is the second award for Ireland West Airport following a national Chambers Ireland award in 2019, in collaboration with Mayo County Council, in recognition of the airport’s work in adopting the Age Friendly Recognition Programme.

Galway TDs welcome progress of Autism Bill

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October 30, 2022

Galway TDs welcome progress of Autism Bill

The Regional Group of TDs, which includes Galway’s Seán Canney, Denis Naughten, and Noel Grealish, have welcomed progress on a bill to improve rights and services for people with autism.

The private members Autism Spectrum Disorder Bill 2017 has passed its second stage at the Dáil, and will now progress to the committee stage.

Regional Group members have said that the government should not impose any delays on the passage of this bill.

This Bill seeks to develop and implement a cross-department, multi-agency strategy to provide and implement services for autistic people.

The Regional Group of TDs continue to highlight that autism is not a health issue but a human rights issue.

“Regional group members state that no strategy has been put in place since the European Commission approved the Charter of Rights for People with Autism in 1996.”

“The Charter states that autistic people should have the same rights enjoyed by all EU citizens and these rights should be enforced by legislation. This has yet to happen in Ireland”.

The TDs said that the annual cost to a family of a child with autism is €28,000 worth of private services, lost income, and informal care.

In the long run, it will cost the state more to do nothing, the group said.

“Service provision for autistic people should not be discretionary, it should be a right protected in our legislation.”

“Financial pressure is acutely felt by families who assume full-time caring roles for their autistic children, reporting that existing social welfare payments are insufficient to cover the costs of therapy and additional support.”

Inishbofin Do Not Consume notice likely to remain for weeks

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October 30, 2022