Up to 1,000 children in DEIS schools in Galway without hot meals service

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October 24, 2022

Galway Daily news Water outages in Moycullen

The Do Not Consume Water Notice in An Spidéal has been lifted today and the water is now safe to drink for the majority of people in the area.

Irish Water issued a Boil Water Notice for a small portion of the network, affecting around 250 customers in Ros a’ Mhíl (Rossaveal).

The Boil Water Notice was issued to customers on the Rossaveal Reservoir due to low levels of chlorine and coliform bacteria being detected, and works are being carried out by Irish Water to resolve the issue.

Dr Pat O’Sullivan, Irish Water’s Drinking Water Compliance Specialist, acknowledged the impact the Do Not Consume Notice had on the 5,675 customers supplied by the Spiddal Public Water Supply.

He thanked them for their patience while they worked to have the notice lifted.

Dr O’Sullivan also acknowledged and thanked Irish Water’s colleagues in Galway County Council who worked tirelessly to address what was ‘a challenging and complex issue’.

Area of Ros a’ Mhíl (Rossaveal) affected by the Boil Water Notice

A Boil Water Notice will also be hand-delivered to the properties affected in Ros an Mhíl.

Experts from Irish Water and Galway County Council are assessing the situation with a view to having the notice lifted as quickly as possible.

In the meantime, all customers served by the Rossaveal Reservoir are advised to boil water before use until further notice.

“Public health is Irish Water’s number one priority. We will continue to work closely with Galway County Council and the HSE to monitor the supply and lift the notice as quickly as it is safe to do so and safeguard the supply for the future,” Dr O’Sullivan said.

Vulnerable customers who have registered with Irish Water will be contacted directly about this notice.

Anyone who has concerns can contact our customer care team on 1800 278 278 or log onto the water supply and service section of our website for information.

For customers who wish to check if their property is on the Boil Water Notice themselves, they can go to the water quality section of water.ie, enter the property’s Eircode, click ‘more details’ and they will then see if their property is on the Boil Water Notice.

Local schools urged to sign up for holocaust education project

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October 24, 2022

galway daily news holocaust education project with mary mcaleese — Mary McAleese pictured with Holocaust survivor Tomi Reichental and Suzi Diamond and children from Cootehall National school. Pic: Marc O'Sullivan

Mary McAleese has officially launched Holocaust Education Ireland’s Crocus Project by planting crocus bulbs in her garden in Roscommon with the help of local schoolchildren.

The yellow flowers, recalling the yellow Stars of David, will bloom around the time of International Holocaust Memorial Day on 27 January.

Holocaust Education Ireland is encouraging schools in Galway to register to participate in the project ahead of the registration deadline this Friday, 28 October.

The Crocus Project commemorates all the children who perished in the Holocaust, and aims to educate schoolchildren over the age of ten about the Holocaust and the dangers of racism, all forms of discrimination and hatred.

Speaking at the launch this week, Professor Thomas O’Dowd, Chairperson of Holocaust Education Ireland, said: “We are delighted to have former President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, launch our annual Crocus Project this week, and we are encouraging schools in Galway to register to participate before the deadline passes.

“The project is an important opportunity to introduce young people to the subject of the Holocaust, and teach the importance of inclusion and respect for all people regardless of their ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.

“Seeing the flowers bloom in the early new year ensures that the stories of the children who perished in the Holocaust are not forgotten but are passed on to future generations, while educating our young people in a tangible way about the perils of prejudice.

“The beautiful flowers also remind us that, even after the most terrible events, new life begins again and we can have hope in the future.”

Mary McAleese said she is delighted to support The Crocus Project.

“The lesson of the Holocaust is one of the most important lessons for children to learn and the Crocus Project is a gentle way to introduce young people to the subject,” said the former president.

“The project will sow the seeds of inclusivity, justice and acceptance into the minds of the next generation so that, through learning from the terrible mistakes of the past, we can build a more caring and inclusive Ireland.”

There is no charge for participating in the Crocus Project. Holocaust Education Ireland provides teachers and educators with crocus bulbs and a Teacher’s Handbook as well as guidance about the project that includes information and age appropriate material.

The handbook is available in English and as Gaeilge as well as twelve European languages to ensure that children in Ireland and across Europe can fully participate in the project.

The Crocus Project is co-funded by the European Union and supported by the Department of Education.

Schools interested in registering to become involved in the project can do so here.

Further information on the project is available here.

An Mheitheal Rothar expands bicycle recycling initiative in Galway

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October 24, 2022

galway daily news Meitheal Rothar Galway expands recycling initiative — Pictured at An Mheitheal Rothar Bike Shop, Galway Shopping Centre were Anne Graham Community Finance Ireland with Martyna Cwiertnia and Catherine Coote of An Mheitheal Rothar. Photo: XPOSURE

An Mheitheal Rothar has announced that it is expanding its bicycle recycling initiative at its community workshop at University of Galway and its retail outlet at Galway Shopping Centre.

The award-winning social enterprise based in Galway city provides access to cycling and cycling mechanic skills training to people, regardless of their ability to pay.

In 2018, six years after its foundation, An Mheitheal Rothar introduced the ‘Recycle Your Cycle’ initiative which repairs and upcycles second-hand bikes.

An Mheitheal Comhashaol Cooperative, trading as An Mheitheal Rothar, accessed a bridging loan from Community Finance Ireland (CFI) which has helped them expand in Galway.

The all-island social finance provider supports community projects that drive social impact through sports, the arts, faith-based groups and social enterprises.

Cathy Coote, Fundraising and Communications Officer at An Mheithal Comhashaol Co-Op, said the CFI funding has been critical to expand and upscale their offering to the local community in Galway.

“Community Finance Ireland is helping us grow our social enterprise in Galway. A term loan is enabling us to invest in new bike stock, helping us offer more bikes to people in Galway from our bike shop,” she said.

“The funds we generate support our work, such as providing free second-hand bikes for students studying under the University of Sanctuary programme as well as repairs, free training and upcycled bikes to people interested in cycling for health, transport and sustainability.”

Since 2016, CFI has provided €500,000 in social finance loans to projects based in Galway.

Client Relationship Manager for Connacht and Donegal, Anne Graham, says there is huge potential for others in Galway to follow in AMR’s footsteps.

“It’s fantastic to see AMR growing to meet the demand in their local community and for that growth to be sustainable.

“Like AMR, Community Finance Ireland is a social enterprise – all the repayments made on social finance loans go right back into supporting another community group either here in Galway or across the country.

“In that sense, our social finance loans aren’t dissimilar to the circular economy which AMR support.

“We’re delighted to be helping people in Galway get on their bikes, which will in turn help us support a local GAA club in Donegal or a Family Recourse Centre in Mayo.”

Diwali Festival of Lights celebrating Indian culture in Galway

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October 24, 2022

Galway Daily lifestyle Diwali Festival of Lights celebrating Indian culture in Galway

This November, Galway is all set to witness a beautiful celebration of culture and food at the Diwali 2022 Festival of Lights.

Organised by the Indian Cultural and Sports Community in Galway, Diwali is a chance for the people of Galway to enjoy an evening of authentic food and Indian fashion, along with cultural performances, music and dance.

The ceremonial gathering marks an important day where the triumph of good over evil is celebrated with family gatherings, delicious traditional delicacies, and festive lights.

For many, this is a fresh start, a new beginning of the year which is similar to the Lunar New Year. Diwali creates a path for families to unite, distribute sweets, connect with loved ones, and exchange a gesture of goodwill.

Apart from the cultural showcase, this event is set to tickle your tastebuds with an unlimited buffet spread of Authentic Indian Food. Get your winter dose of Tikka Masala, Hot Naan Bread, Pilavu Rice served with other savouries and Ras Malai!

The Diwali 2022 Festival of Lights will take place in Leisureland, Salthill on November 5, with fun for all the family starting from 5pm that evening.

Indian Cultural and Sports Community (ICSC) is an organisation that aims to unite with local cultures and celebrate the contributions of the Indian Community in Galway by working with the Galway City Council and Community Garda.

The Diwali 2022 Festival of Lights will be the largest celebration yet held in Galway.

Registrations are welcomed and tickets can be booked online at – https://wholelot.ie/tickets/diwaliGalwayFestivalOfLights

Workers to ballot on industrial action in Clifden Hospital

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October 24, 2022

Galway Daily news Workers to ballot on industrial action in Clifden Hospital

SIPTU members in Clifden District Hospital, and St. Anne’s Community Nursing Unit in the town, will ballot on industrial action next month.

The ballot is being organised by SIPTU in response to allegations of unilateral changes to their terms of employment, including sick leave.

The ballot will commence on November 14 for industrial action up to going on strike, the union has said.

SIPTU member and Clifden District Hospital worker, Martina McHugh, said that management at the hospital have imposed multiple changes without agreement.

She said that these include, “moving staff from one service to another with little notice, reducing break times, increasing night duty and withdrawing access to flexible working patterns.”

“The changes are having a direct impact on our ability to deliver an important and effective service while also affecting staff work life balance.”

St. Anne’s Community Nursing Unit worker Pat Joyce added that they are concerned the HSE plans to amalgamate the services offered by the hospital and nursing unit, without considering the impact on staff and clients.

SIPTU has said that its representatives remain available to engage with the HSE regarding outstanding issues, “in line with the terms of public service agreements”.

The HSE has said that services at Clifden District Hospital are at a crisis point, and are only being provided on a day by day basis with staff shortages.

The hospital provides step down and respite services in a large catchment area across Connemara.

Man’s best friend can meet some friends of their own at Galway SPCA pet parade

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October 24, 2022

Galway Daily news Man's best friend can meet some friends of their own at Galway SPCA pet parade

Give your best friend a chance to make some friends of their own at Galway SPCA’s annual Oliver’s Pet Parade fundraiser this week.

The 6th annual ‘Oliver’ walk, named for a very good boy, will take place in Portumna Forest Park this Sunday, October 30.

The last outdoor event of Galway SPCA planned for the year, it is hoped that the weather will also allow for a BBQ, a mini fun dog show and a raffle for a fabulous hamper.

“On July 9th 2014 we received a call from a young Danish man on a cycling holiday here in Ireland. Whilst cycling on a country lane way he had spotted a very defeated, dejected dog in a roadside ditch…Covered in mange and sores.”

“When we arrived we could see it was an older boy who badly needed our help. He wasn’t the most helpful, shall we say, or the most accommodating but we eventually got him on our van and were on the way to our vets.”

“Little did we know, at the time, that this poor helpless dog would go on to rule the roost at a certain team members home or become an international icon and the face of GalwaySPCA and rescue dogs everywhere.”

“He has brought tears to many. Tears of joy and laughter to us. Tears of frustration to his mother and in the run up to the walk we would like to bring you on his journey before he sadly left us for Rainbow Bridge.”

The walk will get underway at 12:30pm on Sunday. Registration is €10 per adult with children under 16 walking for free.

All proceeds raised on the day will go directly to caring for the animals at Galway SPCA.

Planning refused for 27 houses and apartments in Clifden

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October 24, 2022

Galway Daily news Green light for new apartment complex in Rahoon

Planning permission has been refused by Galway County Council for a residential development of 27 houses and apartments in Clifden.

TML Properties Ltd sought approval to build a housing estate on an unused site on the north side of Clifden, off the N59.

The estate was to consist of four blocks of terraced houses, apartments, and duplexes.

Block A would comprise 3 two storey, three-bed terraced homes; Block A1 was to be three storeys, with 2 three-bed terraced houses, 2 one-bed apartments, and 2 duplex units,

Block B was to be two storeys in height, with 6 two-bed apartments; Block C was to be three storeys tall, with 6 one-bed apartments, and 6 two-bed duplexes.

The estate was to be served by a total of 49 car parking spaces, including three disabled spaces.

Galway County Council refused planning permission for the project due to concerns about environmental damage from surface water drainage.

The decision noted that the project is located next to a watercourse which drains into the Owenglin River, which is part of the designated Twelve Bens/Garraun Complex special area of conservation.

The drainage proposals include the discharge of surface water directly into that watercourse without pre-treatment.

The county council said that it was not satisfied that a “significant negative effect” on the conservation objectives of the SAC could be ruled out as a result.

Significant delays expected on the M6 over four days

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October 24, 2022

There will be significant delays on the M6 motorway over the next four days while new message signs are being installed.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) are having five variable message signs along the M6 Motorway between Junction 14 East Ballinasloe and Junction 19 Oranmore.

These works are due to take place between Monday, October 24 and Thursday, October 29.

In order to facilitate them, Lane 1 eastbound will be closed from 8am on the 24th to 8pm on the 27 between Junction 19 Oranmore and Junction 18 Rathmorrissey.

Delays cane be expected during peak times while these works are underway.

Signage has been in place since October 10 to give advance notice of the works. One lane will remain open at all times.

Moutbellew/Moylough GAA club wins top prize in Kellogg’s promotion

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October 23, 2022

galway daily news mountbellew/moylough gaa club prize winners — David Byrne, Sales Manager, Kellogg Ireland with Grace Duffy and Alicia Giblin and Chairman Pat Donnellan from Mountbellew / Moylough GAA Club. Photo:Andrew Downes, xposure

Mountbellew/Moylough has claimed first prize in the 2022 Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps on-pack promotion, winning a game-changing €25,000 for the club.

St Mochtas GAA club in Louth scooped €10,000 in second place, with Crossabeg-Ballymurn GAA club in Wexford winning third place with €5,000.

Kellogg held the nationwide on-pack promotion for all GAA clubs during the summer.

The winning clubs were chosen by draw to culminate the summer-long promotion in conjunction with Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps.

Following two years when fundraising was restricted and funds limited, the overall prize fund of €40,000 will provide the winning clubs with very welcome support when looking to invest in the club.

With participation levels understandably lower this year due to limited availability, the camps proved a real success giving children across the country a chance to socialise and exercise outside.

Seamus Hogan from Mountbellew/Moylough said the club feels incredibly lucky to win the top prize in Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps on-pack competition.

This money will help us build and maintain our GAA facilities and allow us to continue to host Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps in years to come,” he said.

“We’d like to sincerely thank Kellogg and all those who nominated us for helping us to secure this prize which will be spent improving our grounds and services.”

Sarah Ferguson, general manager of Kellogg Ireland, said their partnership with the GAA is very much focused on the grassroots of the Association.

“Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps are the GAA Games Development Department’s flagship project and we are delighted to continue to support this great initiative,” said Sarah.

“We had thousands of entries and we would like to thank everyone who took the time to enter for their club.

“On behalf of Kellogg, I would like to congratulate our three winning clubs; Mountbellew/Moylough, St. Mochtas and Crossabeg-Ballymurn.

“This will be a huge boost to them and we are delighted to know that these funds will go back into the local communities and clubs, the heart of the GAA.”

Vigil to mark 10 year anniversary of Savita

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October 23, 2022

A vigil will be held next Friday in Galway city to mark the ten-year anniversary of the death of Savita Halappanavar.

Savita died at University Hospital Galway on October 28, 2012 due to a septic miscarriage after she had repeatedly requested an abortion.

Her death was widely decried, in Ireland and around the world, as unnecessary and a consequence of Ireland’s restrictive, cruel abortion laws.

Savita’s story was an important part of the successful Repeal the 8th campaign in 2018, with campaigners pointing to it as something that should never be allowed to happen again.

The vigil, organised by Galway Pro-Choice, will take place at 8pm at Market Square (beside St. Nicholas church) on Friday, 28 October.

Urgent action needed to address sewage discarge says PBP

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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