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New Tesco Express store opens doors in Doughiska

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galway daily news tesco tuam shopping centre logo

A new Tesco Express has opened its doors to a brand new 3,000 square foot store in the Galway city suburb of Doughiska today.

The newly refurbished store will employ 16 people and will be managed by Kelvin Farragher who has been with Tesco for more than a decade.

Kelvin Farragher welcomed the first customers into the new Tesco Express this morning.

He said that the team has put in a lot of work to ensure that the customer experience is of the highest standard.

“We are all really looking forward to getting to know the local community here in Doughiska.”

The Tesco Express will stock produce from several local Galway suppliers including Soho Bakehouse, Kevin Hughes Potatoes and Corrib Eggs.

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

“We welcome Doughiska to our store network and look forward to playing a big part in the local community for many years to come.”

One person arrested after multi-vehicle crash

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One person was arrested and another taken to hospital after a multi-vehicle crash in Galway this morning.

Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of a four vehicle collision in Curraghline area this morning.

An Garda Síochána have said that one person was taken to University Hospital Galway as a precaution after the crash.

One woman was also arrested at the scene and conveyed to Galway Garda Station.

The road has since been cleared, and Gardaí say that investigations are ongoing.

Two month road closure in Galway City centre

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Galway Daily news road closure

A street in Galway City Centre will be closing for two months while the new pedestrian bridge is being built.

The city council have given notice that the Gaol Road Link, in front of the cathedral, will be closed from October 24 to December 22.

This is to allow for the assembly and installation of the new Salmon Weir pedestrian and cycling bridge.

Local diversions will be in place along Gaol Road, behind the Cathedral, and University Road.

Work began on the new Salmon Weir pedestrian bridge in April of this year, and the project has so far involved a road closure on the Newtownsmith side.

Go on an arts trail with Baboró Children’s Festival

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Baboró International Arts Festival for Children is kicking off in Galway this Friday, with many treats for families and schools to enjoy.

Three different visual arts offerings from the city centre to Salthill will create a wonderful arts trail for people to enjoy over the week.

Beginning in Galway’s westend at Galway Arts Centre, Dominic St., the Widden Ar Geels (The Community Speaks) exhibition will run from October 15 – 29.

Two of Ireland’s leading artists, Leanne McDonagh and Oein DeBhairduin, celebrate the stories and oral traditions of the Irish Traveller community by creating an inclusive space for all to enjoy the magic and wisdom imbued in the craft and stories of the Mincéirí.

Immerse yourself in Traveller stories of vixens, owls and horses who live alongside humans as guides, protectors, friends and foes, while spirits, giants and fairies blur the lines between this world and the otherworld.

Widden Ar Geels, art by Leanne McDonagh

Then at Engage Art Studios in Salthill, Lucy Hill presents FOLD, an exhibition for children 8 years and under that explores ideas of openness, relationships, colour, form and line.

Inspired and informed by Early Childhood Education and Care philosophies, the show explores the relationship between art and early childhood learning elements including colour, shape, form, line and texture.

Visitors to the gallery are encouraged to create their own art with prompts and materials from the artist. Enjoy FOLD from October 15 – 23, (gallery closed Monday 17 & Wednesday 19).

On Quay Lane in Galway City, Street artist Emmalene Blake created ‘Our City Walls’, a large mural that is inspired by the insights and drawings of Galway children as part of Baboró’s 25th celebrations in 2021.

Granted an extension by Galway City Council for inclusion in this year’s festival, ‘Our City Walls’ shines a light on the right of EVERY child to enjoy and participate in a rich cultural life.

As part of the development of the mural, school children were invited by Creative Associate Phillida Eves, to share how they feel about their rights, what they like to do in their free time and to try to imagine what life would be like without art and culture.

Emmalene responded to their reflections as she designed ‘Our City Walls’.

“We hope that thousands more children will enjoy the colourful and inspiring mural when they visit the festival this year,” said Baboró Artist Director Aislinn Ó hEocha.

For more information check out www.baboro.ie. These are family friendly Free events.

Plans submitted for Claregalway Primary Care Centre

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Galway Daily news Claregalway Primary Care Centre gets planning approval

Plans have been submitted to the county council for the construction of a primary care centre in Claregalway.

Valley Healthcare fund, a sub fund of infrastructure investment fund ICAV, is seeking planning permission to build a two storey primary care centre at Cahergowan, Claregalway.

The county council last year refused planning permission Valley Healthcare to build a PCC in Claregalway, due to concerns about its size, and a lack of information on proposed roadworks.

This two storey proposal is smaller than the part three storey building previously rejected, and has been reduced in height by more than 2.5m, along with having a smaller footprint.

The primary care centre will have a retail pharmacy on the ground floor level, along with the consulting and treatment rooms.

The floor plans for the project show rooms dedicated for psychiatry, pediatrics, chronic disease management, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, psychology, physiotherapy.

Pedestrian and vehicle entry to the site will be via the Montiagh Road, and the development will have a total of 73 car parking spaces.

The works will also involve widening the Montiagh Road carriageway, and footpath links from the site to the junction with the N83 Galway Road.

A decision on this planning application is due from Galway County Council by November 14 of this year.

Increased funding for Gaeltacht summer college accommodation providers

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Galway Daily news Increased funding for Gaeltacht summer college accommodation providers

Gaeltacht families that host people attending Irish colleges in the summer are getting an increase in the funding they receive from the government.

Minister of State for the Gaeltacht Jack Chambers announced the additional funding during a visit to the Galway Gaeltacht.

The daily grant payable to Gaeltacht families under the Irish Learners’ Scheme is going up from €11 to €12 per day.

On top of that, the once-off start up grant provided to families registering for the first time is being tripled, from €2,000 to €6,000, or 80% of their costs, whichever is less.

Minister of State Chambers said, “I am delighted to be able to announce these additional policies today for the benefit of the Irish language college system.”

“Hundreds of families all over the Gaeltacht are providing accommodation with the help of Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge for Irish language college attendees and they will all benefit from this further increase.” 

“These families are of course an integral part of the College system and it is on these families that the department’s efforts are largely focused to help the sector in general in financial terms.” 

“The increase I have announced will help families already registered under the department’s scheme as well as of course attract new families into the system – which will greatly help colleges to be able to function productively.”

The package of the daily grant increase, and the start-up grant increase, are together worth approximately €820,000 for accommodation providers.

This is the second increase in the daily grant made this year, after it was upped by €1 back in March.

Headford confirmed as second ‘Smart Villages’ location

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galway daily news smart villages headford

Galway Rural Development has confirmed Headford will be its second location for ‘Smart Villages’.

MEP Maria Walsh visited the town on Saturday to confirm the news following a town meeting last week.

All of the main town stakeholders were present at the meeting on the invitation of Galway Rural Development (GRD). 

Across the EU, ‘Smart Villages’ have implemented improvements to the lives of millions of rural dwellers in terms of their economic, social, environmental, and cultural lives.

In Ireland, 16 regions came together last year to develop a national Smart Villages programme.

Led by Galway Rural Development, and with partners in Kilkenny and Cork, the initiative has been described as ‘a game-changer for rural areas.

“Essentially, the Smart Villages concept opens up new opportunities to improve the sustainability of rural areas and it reflects the principles and methods associated with being ‘smart and competitive’,” said CEO of GRD, Steve Dolan. 

“By any measure, Smart Villages Mountbellew has been an unqualified success and we’ve now had a wonderful beginning here in Headford.

“As a start point, Smart Village training has been developed to address the needs of the community and businesses alike.

“This training, beginning this coming Tuesday in Saint Fursa’s Hall at 8pm, will help up-skill the wider Headford community under a number of strategic themes in the areas of food, nature, smart towns, and transport. Everyone in the wider Headford area is welcome to attend.”

MEP Maria Walsh was keen to acknowledge the potential for the initiative in Headford and praised the ambition.

“I’ve seen first-hand the success of the initiative in Mountbellew over the past 12 months and, given my own background in community work, I am intimately familiar with LEADER,” she said.

“Given the evidence of ‘Smart Villages’ successes across the EU, I’m delighted to see it embraced in Headford.”

Ms Walsh said she looked forward to the fruits of the work over the coming months.

“Sharing ideas, sharing experience, and building intercommunity relationships are core concepts of Smart Villages which aims to deliver for communities.

“If we are to build a vibrant rural future for Irish citizens’, then proven initiatives like this must be central to our endeavours and I know how committed the team at GRD are to its goals.”

Councillor Andrew Reddington also warmly welcomed the news.

“Smart Villages is expected to be a major element of the next round of EU Programming, including for LEADER resources.

“When the opportunity came for Headford to be included as part of this initiative, as a community we have grabbed it and we have ambitious plans for what we would like seen achieved. The journey starts here.”

UHG reminds people of delays as Emergency Department moves to new location

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galway daily news emergency department uhg waiting room

University Hospital Galway has apologised for disruption and additional delays as the Emergency Department moves to a new location this weekend.

The service began relocating to a temporary Emergency Department at the front of the hospital yesterday.

UHG has requested that people only attend the Emergency Department at the hospital if it is an emergency situation over this weekend.

They are asking that people attend their GP or out of hours service in the first instance if at all possible.

The Roscommon Injury Unit is also open from 8am to 8pm to treat a range of injuries in both adults and children over five years of age.

ATU Galway-Mayo lecturer wins prestigous technology award

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galway daily news wayne gibbons

A civil engineering lecturer at Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Galway-Mayo has won a prestigious award for creating and developing a suite of Digital Open Badges.

Dr Wayne Gibbons won the Association for Learning Technology Learning Technologist of the Year 2022 award for creating badges to keep students motivated throughout their studies and increase their employability.

He is the first Irish academic to be awarded this international accolade.

The award recognises the positive impact Dr Gibbon’s doctoral study has had on the learning and teaching experience in ATU Galway-Mayo.

He investigated best practice for designing and implementing digital open badges into a module through engaging with students, lecturing staff, institute management and an employer over a three-year research period.

Dr Gibbon’s research finds that since they were implemented into the curriculum digital badges have resulted in an increase in motivation, engagement, confidence, peer learning, attendance and enhanced links to employability.

“The badges are a great way to recognise and reward the types of attitudes and behaviours that are not captured in an exam or a numerical grade,” he said.

“This can include traits such a teamwork, mentoring, attitude to self-improvement and commitment to learning. These are traits that employers are keen to know about, but which can be difficult to provide evidence for.

“The badges are a mechanism for providing this evidence for the students. This allows them to tell the full story about their experience, not just their grades.”

Galway Docklands Festival to celebrate maritime culture

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galway daily news docklands festival poster

Galway Docklands Festival will celebrate maritime culture in the city on October 21, 22 and 23 with a number of fun activities lined up.

The three-day event will take place in the Docklands area, comprising the harbour, the commercial Docks, Claddagh and along the shore.

The festival will highlight Galway’s seafood and local beers, introduce people to the city’s iconic Galway Hooker sailing boats and our maritime history as well as lots of family fun and activities.

The festival is being organised by Galway Bay Boat Tours, Galway Hooker Sailing Club and Galway Bay Seafoods.

It will finish with an auction in Claddagh Hall on the Sunday evening, with lots of fun promised throughout the weekend. All funds raised will go to Galway RNLI and LAST (Lost at Sea Tragedies).

If you would like to support the festival with a financial contribution or a prize for the auction please contact our club PRO Collette Furey on 0872166783 or at pro@galwayhookersailingclub.ie.

For more information, click here.

Aran Islands RNLI opens new shop on Inis Mór

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galway daily news new shop rnli aran islands
L-R Caelán Cullen-Quinn, Tommy Dirrane, Padraig Éinne Dillane, Daniel O’Connell, Coxswain John O’Donnell, Treasurer Margaret Gill, RNLI Head of Region Anna Classon, Station Mechanic Mairtin Coyne, Lena O’Connell, Alan O’Flynn, Ronan MacGiollaphadraig and Máirtín Ó Flaithearta. Seated is Aran Islands Lifeboat Operations Manager Michael T. Hernon.

Aran Islands RNLI has officially opened its new shop and visitor experience on Inis Mór, raising vital funds for the charity that saves lives at sea.

The sun came out for the grand opening, with the honour of cutting the ribbon falling to mother and daughter, Margaret Gill and Lena O’Connell.

Both RNLI volunteers, Margaret is Treasurer of the Aran Islands fundraising branch with almost 40 years of service to the charity, while Lena is the station Lifeboat Press Officer and a fundraiser.

The new shop is located next to the Aran Islands lifeboat station at Kilronan Pier while the Visitor Experience is inside the boathall.

The shop offers a wide range of RNLI branded goods, including clothing and accessories, toys and stationery.

It is expected to open seven days a week during the tourist season from Easter through to autumn and will coincide with the ferry timings to and from the island.

The Visitor Experience makes use of the large number of images and information about the station’s lifeboats, including memorable milestones, awards and rescue stories.

The opening brought out a group of locals and visitors, with music provided by well-known musician Locko Cullen and a delicious buffet lunch laid on by Teach Nan Phaidí.

Aran Islands RNLI station mechanic Máirtín Eoin Coyne was MC for the event, and Lifeboat Operations Manager Michael T. Hernon welcomed people to the opening.

He thanked the dedicated volunteers who have supported the lifeboat station and fundraising for nearly a century.

RNLI Regional Engagement Manager Daniel Curran also acknowledged the huge amount of people who had made the opening possible.

RNLI Head of Region, Anna Classon, whose own grandfather was a member of An Garda Síochána stationed on the island, and who made Inis Mór a home for her mother and uncles for many years, gave her speech in Irish and paid tribute to the lifeboat and island communities who support the RNLI in their lifesaving work.

“This community, with the support of the RNLI, has been serving those in trouble on the sea for many years,” said Anna.

!It has a been a selfless tradition, with a history of bravery, volunteering, and kindness to strangers. Thank you for joining the RNLI in the bravest of endeavours, to put others before yourselves, in whatever role you play.

“I congratulate all involved with this lovely new shop and visitor experience and hope you welcome many people across the threshold in the years to come.”

After conducting the official ribbon cutting with her daughter Lena, Aran Islands RNLI Treasurer Margaret Gill said that they are so thrilled to have our new shop and visitor experience on Inis Mór.

She said that there is an incredible history of lifeboating and lifesaving on this island and a group of committed volunteers that support it.

“There are tales of rescues and brave deeds going back generations and it’s lovely to have somewhere for visitors and locals to take a minute, look around the exhibits, and learn a bit about our history.

“They can also visit our shop when they have finished and buy a little memento of their trip to the island or an early Christmas card. As a charity the RNLI relies on the generosity of the pubic and we are so grateful for that ongoing support.”

Galway-based tech company to create 50 new jobs as new HQ opens

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Galway Daily business US software company creating 25 jobs in Galway

Channel Mechanics has opened its new global headquarters in Ballybrit with the company announcing plans to create an additional 50 highly skilled positions over the next year.

The new positions will be highly skilled in nature and spread across software development, QA, sales, marketing, business analysis, and customer success.

The new Channel Mechanics HQ was officially opened by Galway West TD Hildegarde Naughton and Executive Director of Enterprise Ireland Kevin Sherry yesterday.

Founded 10 years ago and backed by Enterprise Ireland, Channel Mechanics works predominantly with global vendors who utilise the channel as their route-to-market.

Welcoming the news, Minister Naughton said that this announcement from Channel Mechanics shows the continued and growing confidence in Galway for its highly trained and skilled workforce.

“The doubling in their team is no small feat and I am confident that it is one that will be met with an abundance of success for Channel Mechanics, and indeed for Galway as a great place to work and live. Congratulations to all involved,” she said.

More information about the open positions can be found on the company’s website.

Thoughts and prayers are with Creeslough – President Higgins

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Galway Daily news Woman (80s) dies following car crash two weeks ago

President Michael D. Higgins has extended his deepest sympathies this morning to those affected by yesterday’s tragic explosion at a service station in Creeslough, Co Donegal.

The number of confirmed fatalities has risen to nine, with rescue crews continuing to search through the rubble for those who are still missing.

President Higgins said that all of our thoughts must go out to all of those who have been affected by the tragedy.

“Those who have received news of the loss of a loved one, those injured and, most of all, those who are waiting with anxiety for news of their loved ones.”

He said that it is a terrible blow to a community that is closely knit and where every loss and injury will be felt by every member of the community and far beyond.

“Special tribute must be paid to those members of the local community and emergency services across the island who have reacted so swiftly to the scene of the explosion and have continued to work through the night,” he said.

“All of our best thoughts and prayers go to those who have lost their lives and their families.

“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha.”

Galway writer shortlisted for RTÉ Short Story Competition

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galway daily news julie short story writer galway

Julie Cruikshank from Galway is among ten writers whose exciting new stories have been shortlisted for the RTÉ Short Story Competition in honour of Francis MacManus 2022.

Julie’s story The Coast of Africa was selected from over 1,700 entries by judges, Lisa McInerney, Ferdia McAnna and Éilis Ní Dhuibhne.

The top prize has increased to €5,000 this year, while the second and third placed writers will receive €4,000 and €3,000 respectively. The seven others will receive €250 each.

All ten stories will be broadcast and podcast in a season of new writing as part of Late Date on RTÉ Radio 1, weeknights at 11.20pm, from Monday 10 October to Thursday 20 October inclusive (except for Saturday 15th October).

They are also now available to read on www.rte.ie/culture.

The winning story along with the two other prizewinning stories will be announced at a special live event in the Pavillion Theatre Dun Laoghaire at on Friday 21 October.

It will be broadcast live on RTÉ Radio 1 as part of an Arena special programme.

Speaking about her story, Julie said: “Lough na Fuaiche (Loch na Fooey), where my story is set, is on the border of Galway and Mayo.

“The landscape is ancient: apparently millions of years ago an ocean closed up and brought the two halves of Ireland together.

“The lake and its surrounds are beautiful in a bleak way, and whilst it is really peaceful, there is something both unsettling and compelling about the stillness of it all.”

Judge for the second year running, Lisa McInerney said that it was an invigorating and entertaining process deciding on their shortlist for the 2022 RTÉ Short Story Competition in honour of Francis MacManus.

“I was really pleased with how the writers approached the brief—it was clear they had thought about this being a story for radio, and so we were delighted to find a host of strong characters, dynamic dialogue and vibrant settings.

“Our shortlist exemplifies the liveliness, wit, empathy and imagination possible in the short story, and we’re really excited to share it.”

For tickets to the Arena RTÉ Short Story Special live event, go to www.paviliontheatre.ie/events/view/rte-arena-live

How online gambling is changing the Irish gambling landscape

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In recent years, the gambling landscape in Ireland has changed dramatically, with the advent of online gambling.

How online gambling in Ireland looks like today

One of the most popular forms of online gambling in Ireland is sports betting, which has become extremely popular due to the ease with which it can be done. In addition to this, there are also a number of casino games that can be played online, such as blackjack, roulette and slots.

The popularity of online gambling has also resulted in a number of new companies springing up in Ireland that offer this service. These companies have been able to take advantage of the fact that there is no need for them to have a physical presence in the country, and as such they have been able to offer their services at a much lower cost than traditional bookmakers.

The impact of online gambling on the Irish economy

The impact of online gambling on the Irish economy is both significant and far-reaching. In terms of revenue, online gambling represents a significant portion of the overall gambling industry in Ireland.

In terms of employment, online gambling has created thousands of jobs in Ireland. The majority of these jobs are based in the capital city of Dublin, but there are also many jobs spread throughout the country. Online gambling companies have been able to create these jobs by investing in the latest technology and by hiring highly skilled workers.

In terms of taxes, online gambling companies have been a major contributor to the Irish economy. This money goes towards supporting vital public services such as healthcare and education.

The future of online gambling in Ireland

With the recent legalization of online gambling, more and more people are expected to start playing casino games online. This will provide a much needed boost to the economy, as well as create new jobs in the country.

There are already a number of Irish-licensed online casinos operating in the country, and this is expected to grow in the coming years. These casinos offer a wide range of casino games, including slots, blackjack, roulette, and poker. They also provide a safe and secure environment for players to gamble in.

The Irish government is also working on creating a regulatory framework for online gambling. This will ensure that all casinos operating in the country are properly licensed and regulated. This will protect players from being scammed or cheated out of their money.

In conclusion, online gambling is having a profound effect on the Irish gambling landscape by making it more accessible and convenient than ever before.

Beat ‘The Kube’ while raising funds for Galway Hospice!

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galway daily news the kube clayton hotel for galway hospice
Photo: Seán Lydon

A fun-filled version of the popular television show The Cube will take place in the Clayton Hotel next Friday at 7pm in aid of Galway Hospice. 

Irish actor and comedian Patrick McDonnell, known for his character Eoin McLove in Father Ted, will be narrating the event and gearing contestants up to take on physical and mental challenges inside a Perspex cube. 

Among some of the contestants taking part are Galway Hospice staff members, Rose Kelly and Aisling Kearney.

Staff at Galway Hospice will be out in force to support Rose and Aisling and all those who have signed up to take part and attempt to beat The Kube. 

Charlene Hurley, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Galway Hospice, said: “As fans of the television show will know, The Kube is a fun, fast-paced game that tests the wits of contestants and the nerves of the audience! It is guaranteed to be a fun night out for all.”

The event was originally due to take place in 2020 but had to be postponed due to the pandemic. All funds raised from The Kube at The Clayton Hotel will go to local Hospice services.

If you would like to attend this fundraiser in aid of Galway Hospice, you can get your tickets online at galwayhospice.ie/shop or call 091 770868.

Keep an eye on the Galway Hospice website to see who else will be taking part!

Breda Pagett announced as Galway finalist in Carer of the Year Awards

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galway daily news breda pagett carer of the year
Photo:Andrew Downes, xposure

Breda Pagett from Moycullen has been announced as a regional winner and finalist in Right at Home’s Carer of the Year Awards 2022.

The awards recognise the hard work and dedication of care staff who allow elderly people and people with disabilities to continue to live independent lives in the comfort of their own homes.

Nominations for the awards were submitted by those who the carers work closest with, including clients, their families, co-workers, managers and supervisors.

Breda will be one of six finalists who progress to a special awards ceremony in November where Right at Home’s National Carer of the Year 2022 will be crowned as they advance to the final stage of judging over the upcoming weeks.

Speaking about her award, Breda said she is delighted and looking forward to flying the Galway flag at the national awards in November.

She said that the clients they care for are more than just clients, they become friends and “it is so rewarding to be able to make a positive difference in their lives.”

“Home is where the heart is and whether someone needs a little or a larger amount of help, we are passionate about supporting them to live with independence in the comfort of their own home and surroundings.”

Natalie Crowe, Managing Director of Right at Home Galway, said the awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise and celebrate the outstanding work of Carers who play such an important role in the lives of so many people.

“No matter what, our wonderful team of carers go above and beyond to ensure the highest level of care is provided to their clients, some of who are the most vulnerable people in society,” she said.

“For our clients, knowing that we have trusted carers to support them is a wonderful source of comfort.

“We are delighted to announce Breda as our Galway winner for Carer of the Year. Breda is a natural-born carer and is always going above and beyond to support her clients.

“Her passion and commitment are so clear to see and this is echoed by the wonderful feedback we receive from Breda’s clients and their families. We wish Breda the very best of luck in the national final in November, and we will be incredibly proud of her no matter what happens.”

The national winner of Right at Home’s Carer of the Year will be announced at an awards ceremony in Dublin on November 11 where the winner will be unveiled.

Disruption expected as UHG Emergency Department moves to new location

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galway daily news emergency department uhg waiting room

The Emergency Department at UHG is moving to its new temporary location this weekend.

On Saturday and Sunday staff will be relocating to an Emergency Department at the front of the hospital which will result in some disruption for patients.

The hospital has apologised in advance for the additional delays which will be experienced by patients and their families during the move.

In order to minimise the impact of the switch, they have requested that people only attend the Emergency Department at the hospital if it is an emergency situation from Saturday.

Chris Kane, General Manager, Galway University Hospitals, said the ED move has been planned to minimise the impact on patients as far as possible.

But she said it is inevitable that there will be some disruption as it is a 24/7 service which does not have a downtime that would allow them to cease the service for the duration of the move.

“We would like to give advance warning to the public that they will experience delays this weekend. 

“We are trying to minimise attendance at the Emergency Department from this Friday 07 October to Monday October 10 to allow the move with least impact on the service.

“We are asking people if at all possible to attend their GP service in the first instance. The Roscommon Injury Unit is also open from 8am to 8pm to treat a range of injuries in both adults and children over five years of age.”

Speaking about the plans for a new Emergency Department, she added that it is necessary to move the Emergency Department from its existing location as part of essential enabling works.

These will free up the footprint to construct a new multi-storey hospital development encompassing a new Emergency Department and Women’s and Children’s Department. 

“We urgently need a new Emergency Department with the capacity to support the needs of the population in the West.

“University Hospital Galway, which was constructed in the 1950s, is the only Model 4 hospital in the Saolta Group and provides secondary care to Galway City, county and surrounds (346,000 population catchment) and tertiary care for the 800,000+ population across the region.

“Our current ED service is not resourced for the increased population and the changing demographics with growing levels of attendance by those aged 75 and over, which is a trend that will continue.”

University of Galway invests in safe geothermal project

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galway daily news geotherman project works at university of galway

University of Galway has embarked on a geothermal heat pump project on campus to heat the swimming pool in the Sports Centre.

Works began in September on the lawn in front of the Alice Perry Engineering Building with 18 boreholes for a network of underground pipes as part of a ground-air heat pump system.

The University campus is already part of Galway’s decarbonisation zone, which is targeting a 51% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 and to decarbonise the campus by 2050.

The ground source heat pump system is being developed and operated as a pilot in the European Union Horizon 2020 project GEOFIT.

GEOFIT will extract heat from the ground and feed two heat pumps to generate hot water which will be carried through an existing district heating network of underground pipes to warm the University swimming pool in the Sports Centre.

Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, President of University of Galway, said: “With this investment, University of Galway is demonstrating that our values of sustainability and excellence are embedded not only in our research and education but also in how we operate as a campus.

“Our students were to the fore in pressing the case for sustainability and securing a clean, green and efficient energy source for our Sports Centre. GEOFIT is an important stepping stone on our decarbonisation journey.”

Assistant Professor Marcus Keane and his colleague Luis Blanes said that the GEOFIT pilot will provide an invaluable asset for the scientific community in Ireland and Europe.

“Like never before, we will be able to understand the long term performance and potential of ground source energy and plan how much energy we can harness from natural and renewable sources that include the ground and ambient air.”

The GEOFIT project will capture, process and monitor data relating to the performance of the geothermal heat pump system for at least 5 years, utilising an advanced, innovative Fibre Optic Distributed Temperature Sensing System in collaboration with Ireland’s Geological Survey Ireland and Science Foundation Ireland’s iCRAG Geosciences Research Centre.

Respond has 184 social housing units being built in Galway

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Galway daily news Planning refused for huge housing development on Galway City outskirts

Housing body Respond has 184 new social housing units under construction in Galway, adding to to the almost 300 already operating here.

Last year, the Approved Housing Body delivered a total of 77 social and affordable housing units in the county.

Respond now owns and manages 287 homes across Galway, supporting people in social housing developments, family homeless services, early childhood care and education, and supports for elderly people and refugees.

The announcement was made as Respond’s Annual Report 2021 was launched this week by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien TD.

Respond Spokesperson Niamh Randall said “Our Annual Report is a snapshot of the great work carried out by our teams on the ground supporting those who need it most in our communities.”

“Central to this support is providing families with access to stable, long-term homes where they can put down roots as part of a local community.”

“We are committed to continuing to help alleviate the massive need nationwide for social housing and supporting the Government’s Housing for All strategy.”

Respond currently has a total of 1,422 new social and affordable homes under construction in Ireland, of which 778 were commenced last year.

They were responsible for 16.4% of new social and affordable housing built by AHBs last year, but have warned that rising construction costs are making it more challenging.

Minister Darragh O’Brien TD added, “I would like to commend Respond’s work in supporting families across the country, both in terms of delivering new homes and the wider community support services it offers.”

The annual report showed that last year, on top of its social housing, Respond supported 92 families through its Refugee Resettlement programme.

Respond’s early learning and school aged care services supported 483 children, 277 of whom were aged five and below, and emergency accommodation was provided for 207 homeless families.

These homelessness services included 319 children, of whom 200 were five years old or younger.

The day care services care for 168 older people, and more than 300 people were cared for through Respond’s Family Support services.

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