Galway’s beloved The Twelve Hotel in Barna has been nominated for multiple European tourism sustainability awards.
The Twelve has received four nominations in the 2022 GrINN Awards by Quartz Hotels, which aim to recognise companies that promote sustainable travel, hospitality, and tourism.
The Barna hotel has been nominated in the categories of Best Sustainable Accommodation in Ireland, Best Sustainable 4-star hotel in Europe and Best Sustainable Accommodation in Northern Europe.
A hotel spokesman said, “We recognise that our business has an important role to play in protecting and enhancing the environment for future generations, and to help secure the long-term sustainability of the tourism industry.”
The Twelve Hotel in Barna has undertaken numerous measures to become greener and more sustainable in recent years.
Among the measures undertaken by The Twelve to become greener have been converting to low energy lighting, adding aerators to all taps in the building, and converting all coffee and ice cream cups to 100% biodegradable material.
The hotel has also increased the amount of locally sourced foodstuffs used in its restaurant, and supported a local school in their Green Flag activities.
Customers and suppliers are also encouraged to protect the environment and all employees are provided with the training and resources required to meet the objectives.
According to Ignacio Merino, Quartz Inn Hotels’ Managing Director, “The main objective of the awards is to promote good sustainable practices in the hospitality sector”.
The awards also aim to, “increase general awareness of the impact of hospitality and tourism activities on the environment,” he added.
Hotels and tourism leaders from 23 European countries have been nominated and the finalists will be announced in the coming weeks after the jury deliberation.
The winners from each of the 50 categories will be chosen among all finalists after a public voting process.
A City Councillor has said that it’s not acceptable that a social housing development in Ballybane won’t be completed until 2024.
The Garrai Beag social housing development at Rockland Avenue, Ballybane was commenced in 2020.
Councillor Alan Cheevers has said that he has received correspondence from the City Council’s Director of Housing that the project is going back to tender after the original builder’ contract was terminated.
The contract for a new builder is going back to tender this month, and a developer is expected to be appointed in early 2023.
It will then take 12 to 14 months for the estate to be completed, with the first houses occupied in early 2024, he added.
“This would take a total of fout years to deliver 52 properties at this site,” Alan Cheevers said.
“I am taking Covid into consideration, but it’s really not an acceptable delivery time for the people waiting for a home on our housing list.”
SSE Renewables has donated over €370,000 to 68 community groups in Galway through its Community Fund from the Galway Wind Park which is a joint venture with partners Greencoat Renewables.
The renewable energy company published its Community Investment Review yesterday, which contains information on the €1.2 million donated to 416 projects across Ireland in 2021/22.
The Galway Wind Park Community Fund, which distributes wind powered funding on behalf of Galway Wind Park, donated over €370,000 to groups including schools, sports clubs and community centres.
Killannin Pitch Committee was awarded funding towards capital works with a focus on pitch development and safety.
Caroline Walsh Committee member Killanin Pitch Committee said that the funding received from Galway Wind Park has allowed them to upgrade the existing pitch and deliver an astroturf area which has increased usership.
“Killannin can now offer its facilities to other sporting groups and organisations making it a more inclusive organisation and providing advanced facilities for the local people.
The latest Community Fund donation brings the total contribution made by SSE Renewables to local communities in Ireland over €10 million so far since 2003.
In addition to Galway funding was awarded to community groups operating near SSE Renewables’ wind farms located in Cavan, Donegal, Wexford, Monaghan, Sligo, Limerick, Kerry, Tipperary, and Cork.
Planning permission is being sought for the construction a large residential development of 165 houses and apartments in Ballinasloe.
A planning application has been made by Limehill Esker to An Bord Pleanála for a Strategic Housing Development at Dunlo & Pollboy, Ballinasloe.
The 6.6ha site is to the south of the town centre, and directly south of the Tesco supermarket.
The housing will comprise 32 two-bed, semi-detached houses, 27 three-bed terraced units in blocks of three, along with 14 three-storey apartment buildings, with a total of 106 apartments & duplexes.
Apartment Block A1 & A2 will each have 1 one-bed apartments, 6 two-bed apartments, 1 three-bed apartment, and 6 three-bed duplexes.
Blocks B1 to B3 and B6 to B13 inclusive will each have 1 one-bed apartment, 1 two-bed apartment, 2 two-bed duplexes, and 2 three-bed duplexes.
Blocks B4 & B4 will 1 one-bed apartment, 1 two-bed apartment, 1 two-bed duplex, and 2 three-bed duplexes.
An Architectural Design Statement for the plans states that the estate has been laid out in a compact and sustainable urban design pattern, which respects the existing site features.
It also states that the layout has been designed to ensure that permeability is maintained across the site for people travelling through the area, and to ensure future connectivity with the town centre.
The estate will have a total of 281 car parking spaces, with 163 spaces designated for the apartments, and 118 within the curtilage of the houses.
A response from Limehill Esker’s to their initial consultation with An Bord Pleanála states that, though 65.5% of the lands were rezoned from Residential (Phase 1) to Residential (Phase 2) in the new county development, which came into effect this summer, it is still justified.
It states that this land is one of the most substantial in close proximity to the town centre, can be easily connected to existing services, and would be consistent with phased development of the area.
The site layout would see the housing laid out in four main sectors, with public open space within each cluster.
A larger landscaped park area will be located at the north east end of the site, including a children’s playground.
The architectural statement says that the layout provides good interconnectivity with the main roadway, and the park to the east.
“The placement of all public open spaces at central locations of the development is proposed to achieve a balanced high quality solution.”
“These public open spaces are are interlinked within the development with the large public park and are designed to be accessible for all residents and the wider community.”
This case is due to be decided by An Bord Pleanála by December 20 of this year.
All documents, plans, and reports associated with this proposed development can be found at: https://dunloshd.com/.
Galway Corinthians RFC are raising money to benefit Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA) after former player, coach and President Paddy Flynn was diagnosed with MND late last year.
The club held a special legends game on Saturday against Galwegians RFC to raise funds, and the club has received around €3,000 so far in donations for the IMNDA through a GoFundMe campaign.
The Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA) is the only organisation of its kind in Ireland providing specialised services to families affected by this terminal condition.
The Association cannot slow the progression of MND or change the outcome, but it can alleviate the feelings of isolation and frustration.
The IMNDA offers vital services and support to approximately 400 families across Ireland who would otherwise have nowhere else to turn.
Two Atlantic Technological University (ATU) engineering students in Galway have gotten a jump start on the final year and careers with a bursary from a local biomedical firm.
Qistina Binti Ab Halim, an Energy Engineering student from Renmore, and Roy Sheridan, a Mechanical Engineering student from Castlebar living in Galway, have been awarded bursaries from Galway-based firm TE Connectivity.
They are entering into their final year of their studies within the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at the Galway campus.
The two were chosen for the bursary of €2,500 each based upon their outstanding academic achievement.
Another part of the bursary is that each will be assigned a mentor from TE Connectivity to complete a project in their final year.
Qistina said that she was “delighted and humbled” to have been chosen for this bursary, and is looking forward to a “collaborative, innovative and fun” final year project with the company.
“The bursary will reduce my financial burden and will help jump start my engineering career by allowing me to immerse myself completely into my studies.”
She also said that hopes that receiving this bursary might help draw more female students into STEM courses.
Roy Sheridan also said that the bursary a huge benefit in his final year, allowing him to focus on his studies, and thanked those who chose and sponsored him for it.
“It’s an honour and privilege to be chosen. I’m looking forward to working on my major project under the guidance of engineers from the company.”
TE Connectivity is Swiss headquartered global technology company, with a medical arm based in Galway for more than four decades.
Dr Oliver Mulryan, Head of Dept of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, said, “It’s a competitive workplace and getting our students to link-up and collaborate on projects with industry is “win-win” for everybody – the students, company and engineering school.”
“This is going to leave an indelible mark on the students’ learning experience during their formative years.”
Correction: This article previously stated that TE Connectivity was based in the US.
Participants in the Educational Transition Programme and University of Sanctuary Summer Programmes receive certificates of completion
Ten Irish Travellers have been recognised after completing the Access Centre’s Educational Transition Project by University of Galway.
The students were presented with Certificates of Completion at a special ceremony on campus.
The programme, organised by the University’s Access Centre and Community Knowledge Initiative, supports Irish Travellers, International Protection Applicants, refugees and vulnerable immigrant groups to learn practical skills that will help them to transition back into education.
Dr Paul Dodd, Vice President Engagement at University of Galway, sad that it was a great pleasure to meet each of the individuals completing the Summer Learning Programme and Educational Transition Programme.
“We are delighted to have had the opportunity to support and welcome this diverse group of enthusiastic learners to our university community,” he said.
“We hope each person has gained new insight, practical knowledge and transferable skills that can inspire and support further interest in higher education as a viable option open to everyone.”
Now in its second year, University of Galway’s Educational Transition Project for Irish Traveller students was developed to build on existing initiatives and to work directly with community organisations in supporting members of the Irish Traveller community to progress to higher education.
The Educational Transition Project is a multi-disciplinary programme and is designed to support Irish Traveller students to achieve their desired educational goals, whether they are school leavers or mature students.
The programme commenced in early July 2022 and was delivered in person, four days a week, over three weeks.
Also recognised at the ceremony were participants of the University of Sanctuary Summer Learning Programme, which is now in its fourth year, and has returned to in-person delivery after two years online.
The programme is open to International Protection Applicants, refugees, vulnerable immigrant groups and Irish Travellers.
It has been developed in collaboration with the University’s Access Centre, Careers Development Centre, Chaplaincy, Flirt FM, College of Business, Public Policy and Law, and the English Language Centre.
The University of Sanctuary Summer Learning Programme is designed specifically to provide learning and skill development to facilitate full participation in education, employment and Irish society more broadly.
The programme aligns to the University’s core strategic values of Respect and Openness.
The end of the two programmes coincides with the opening of the University of Sanctuary Scholarship Programme, which to date has welcomed 30 students from 19 different countries to the University.
For the 2022-2023 academic year, the programme will be made up of 23 fee waivers across the four Colleges at both undergraduate (Level 8) and postgraduate (Level 9) levels.
Surely you have already heard about the global fever for online casinos. It is increasingly common to see the name of big brands serving as sponsors of sporting and cultural events, sponsoring celebrities and much more. If technology has taught us anything in the 21st century, it is that changes are happening faster and faster. Updates on social networks, for example, are already part of our daily lives and we never know what we are going to see when we look at the screen of our mobile phone. Online casinos and sports betting sites are clearly the most notorious example of this new phenomenon.
In that sense, the irruption of the best in online entertainment includes the most competitive international casino brands, in what is undoubtedly a competition to monopolize a greater part of the market. After all, we must not forget that we are talking about a sector that does not seem to have a near ceiling in terms of growth.
A good online casino must offer players a large catalog of proposals, since the purpose of all this is still fun. In this way, a casino that has the same proposals as always will lose a large part of its audience. The same thing happens with sports betting sites: people look for variety both in the sports to bet on, as well as in the types of predictions that can be made. A quality and trustworthy site always takes this into account. There are many more games featured in online casinos but they are actually digital versions of the games that have been around for a long time in traditional casinos.
Since the arrival of online casinos and online bingos, more and more people are enjoying this type of game.
But did you know that it is a variant of bingo?
Surely you have ever come across Slingo without knowing that it is a real and even popular game. But, if you still don’t know it, keep reading and discover more about it.
What is Slingo and how was it created?
First of all, Slingo games are games of chance, just like many others. For your info, Slingo arises from a fusion between the characteristics of bingo and slot machines. And if you ask yourself, is Slingo a new game? The answer is no. Big NO!
Slingo is a project developed in New Jersey, United States in the early 1990s as a game of chance in live casinos. Its creators, Sal Falciglia and Dave Lyons, were fans of bingo and slots. So it occurred to them to bring them together by founding the company Slingo Inc., which was later bought by someone else.
Over time, it was commercialized and has since grown. As a result, there are numerous successful variations of the game today.
When slingo casino games hit the internet
Slingo fit just like most online casino games. It is then that for the year 2015 its first version with real money came out. Currently, there are more than 12 variations of Slingo. All with great success.
Some of them are:
Slingo Riches: for beginners.
Slingo Rainbow Riches: Includes leprechauns, magic, and pots of gold.
Starburst Slingo – a space world and science fiction.
Book of Slingo: ancient worlds, especially Ancient Egypt.
However, if you are looking for a fast but intense game, buy a Slingo scratch card.
How to play Slingo?
Slingo is a mix of standard 5 reel slots and 75 ball bingo. So, you have to combine the maneuvers of both games and place them in a 5×5 grid, revealing up to 25 random numbers.
To play it, the process is as follows:
– The reels spin is pressed and upon stopping, 5 random numbers will be displayed.
– Numbers that match the card at the top of the screen are marked. Although in some versions, the game itself will.
– Since it works the same way as bingo, to win the round you must fill the number lines vertically, diagonally or horizontally.
Players usually get 10 to 20 spins, to register as many numbers as they can on the cards.
What do the symbols mean in Slingo?
In this game you may come across special figures that will help you win or prevent you from doing so.
Likewise, each symbol has its meaning, and these are:
– Joker: If this figure appears, you will have a joker to replace any number in the column above.
– Super Joker: It is a joker to replace the number you want in the entire grid.
– 3 or more Jokers or SuperJokers: If you receive three of these, you will win an instant cash prize.
– Gold coin: they add points to you.
– Free Spin: stops after exhausting all your spins.
– Diablo: This character is the one to avoid as he will block the way to get a slingo.
– Angel: the symbol of salvation. Well, it makes the devil disappear.
Tips for Winning at Slingo Online
All online games have their tactics to have higher chances of a victory. Of course, Slingo is no exception and we’ll look at some suggestions on how to do it below.
Follow the rules
Please read each of the game rules carefully as all Slingo variants have their own characteristics.
Learn to handle wildcards
Don’t go so fast to complete the move. Rather try to figure out how you can free the central square in order to unlock your future winnings.
Think before you buy
While extra spins can be beneficial, think twice before you buy them. Remember that it is a game of chance, so there is no guarantee that you will be awarded the victory. To finish, we can say that Slingo is very easy to play and has special features. Furthermore, it is becoming more and more popular and you can find several of its versions in almost any modern online casino.
The McCambridge family have this week bid farewell to their iconic store this week, after almost a century trading in the city centre.
McCambridge’s has been in business since 1925, and last month saw the long-time family business sold to the Musgrave Group, which will continue to operate it.
The family behind the famous Shop Street store bid farewell after 97 years in business in an emotional message on Instagram this week.
Eoin, Norma, and Natalie McCambridge said that it has been an honour to serve customers down the years, and thanked everyone for all the support they have shown, both in their long years running the store, and in recent weeks.
They also wished the new owners of the store the best of luck as it continues to trade as usual.
They said that the transition team were a “pleasure” to deal with, and incredibly helpful to them.
“It has been both an honour and a pleasure to have served our wonderful customers of Galway and those that have visited us from far & wide!”
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that has ever crossed the threshold of our shop and supported us over the years. We are forever grateful.”
“We are also truly blown away by the outpouring of love and support shown to our family in recent weeks. Thank you to everyone that wrote, sent cards, emailed sent flowers and presents. The sentiment has been so lovely and makes leaving so much harder!”
“We have worked with the best suppliers over the years, we’ve made friends with so many and cannot thank you enough for your support.”
“To our amazing staff…. without you McCambridge’s would not be what it is today. We give our sincere and heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you, both past and present. We will miss all the laughs and good times and leave with such fond memories.”
A man is due before court in Galway today in connection with an investigation into organised crime activity in Connacht.
This morning, Gardaí in Sligo arrested and charged a man in connection with an ongoing investigation into organised crime in the Sligo/Leitrim Division.
The man in his 20s is due to appear before Loughrea District Court sitting in Ballinasloe this morning.
To date, 10 people have been arrested in connection with this ongoing investigation.
The man before court today is the second person to be charged as part of the investigation.
Thousands of children are expected at the Baboró International Arts Festival for children next month, as it returns to a full live programme. Photo:Andrew Downes, xposure
Baboró is back in full swing with the launch of its 2022 festival programme, which promises incredible family fun next month.
The Internation Arts Festival for Children will be back to a full live schedule this October, bringing kids and families together for incredible fun in venues across Galway.
Thousands of children aged up to 13 years, along with their families and teachers, are expected to take part in events of music, theatre, art, literature and more from October 14 – 23.
Baboró returns to a full programme of over 50 live events for an extended festival of 10 days across theatres, galleries, schools and communities in Galway City and County.
The international festival, which celebrates children, families and community through art in all of its forms, will be welcoming companies from all over Ireland and Europe, including Belgium, Italy, Norway, Denmark, Scotland and England.
Iarla (7) and Tiernan (8) Bourke from Salthill at the Baboró International Arts Festival for Children. Photo:Andrew Downes, xposure
Baboró is a festival for all children up to 13 years and will include a focus on European work for early years children (0-6 yrs), residencies in special schools, child-led projects and outreach to schools across the city and county.
There are free events for families and schools including literature, visual arts and outdoor events in city and county venues.
Commenting on the 2022 festival programme, Executive Artistic Director, Aislinn Ó hEocha says, “We are thrilled to welcome children with their schools and families back to theatres, galleries and public spaces all over Galway for enthralling performances, inspiring exhibitions and fun workshops.”
Tiny Mutiny disrupt Galway City Council’s Gary McMahon speech as he launched Babor International Arts Festival for Children’s 2022 programme. Photo: Andrew Downes, xposure
“It’s been a tough few years for us all – the festival will bring us together again to collectively experience art in all its forms, encouraging us to gasp, laugh, and clap together as only live art can.”
EARLY YEARS (0-6)
An expanded programme of theatre for early years children (0-6 years) will feature wondrous European shows through Baboró’s partnership with the Creative Europe project, MAPPING.
Théâtre de la Guimbarde will present Tiébélé, a show that echoes the beautiful traditions of women from a village in Burkina Faso, West Africa. Combining poetry and plastic, soil and song, organic matter and manmade materials.
A creation that links the ancestral gestures of these African women to toddlers’ first attempts to draw. Frames, from Italian company and festival favourites La Barraca, is a visual theatre show with very few words, that celebrates the power of memory and imagination.
Tibele coming to Boboró International Festival for Children
Danish company Theatre Madam Bach returns with You Are Here (Du Er Her), about finding your way in the world – and within yourself. This gentle performance weaves stories of adventures big and small from images, objects, words and musical soundscapes. Why not ride a bike all the way around the world? Just because you can!
Produced by Branar, in association with Drama NUI Galway and Baboró as part of Creative Europe’s Mapping Project, Rothar asks, ‘Where can you go when there is nowhere to go?’. In the little bike shop at the end of town a world of adventure awaits. Two boys and their bikes travel the world in a show that conjures play from the everyday and where anything is possible.
Also from Branar in a co-production with New International Encounter is A Grand Soft Day, a curious and charming new show that celebrates the wonder of the world around us.
Of Bluebells and Butterflies from Graffiti: BEAG is a charming interactive dance theatre performance for babies (up to 12 months) and their adults.
A TINY MUTINY
Baboró commission, Tiny Mutiny/An Ceannairc Beag Bídeach, will celebrate children as artists in their own right as they create colourful, boisterous protest performances in both Ros Muc and Galway city.
Two youth ensembles will proclaim the need for a child-led cultural space in the West of Ireland. Working with local artists, Jojo Hynes, Midie Corcoran, Róisín Seoige & Atmos Collective, each ensemble will share their vision through protest performances accompanied by colourful banners, rebellious songs and digital projections.
Tiny Mutiny disrupt Galway City Council’s Gary McMahon speech at the launch of the Baboró International Arts Festival for Children’s 2022 programme. Photo: Andrew Downes, xposure
They have created their visions and proclamations in response to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The exciting site specific events take place at Ionad Cultúrtha an Phiarsaigh and Galway City Museum.
IRISH AND INTERNATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Irish and international theatre, film, spoken word, circus and dance theatre will feature across Galway’s venues.
Join Le Cirque de Bout du Monde’s surreal world of Der Lauf, where nothing is quite as it seems. Two circus performers compete in a series of bizarre challenges as they juggle blindly, spin plates wildly and stack glasses wearing enormous boxing gloves.
As the glasses rise, so do the stakes. Will you, their only guide, help lead them to safety or towards further peril?
Der Lauf coming to Baboró International Arts Festival for Children
Ballet Ireland and exciting young choreographer Roisín Whelan present The Glasshouse, a dance performance for children aged 6+. It is the story of earnest young Fiach, who is on a mission to repopulate the world with plants and turn it green.
This fun and compelling show is about the courage of the human spirit, friendship and life’s determination to survive.
It is a feast for the eyes and senses, with moments of suspense and joy, exhilarating dancing, vibrant costumes and magical music to enthral children and families.
Family Portrait is a video installation capturing Barrowland Ballet’s Artistic Director, Natasha Gilmore, and her children in an intimate portrayal of family life.
Through striking imagery, choreography and intricate soundscapes, a series of narratives unfold. See the family through choreographed sequences and candid moments as they encounter the many different landscapes of Scotland
Through spoken word, former Glastonbury Poetry Slam Champion Toby Thompson will perform I Wish I was a Mountain using rhyme, live music, and just a smattering of metaphysical philosophy to boldly reimagine Herman Hesse’s classic fairytale. Adults are kindly requested to leave all answers to these questions at the door. Children, come as you are.
I Wish I Was A Mountain
Chalk About from Scotland’s Curious Seed, is a playful, funny and moving look at how we see ourselves and others, featuring dance, chalk, chat, and one perfect scene containing everything you could wish for!
Up-Close from Irish dance artist, Monica Muñoz, is an outdoor performance about trusting each other, building resilience together and letting go of the past. A highly physical dance show blending contemporary and street dance styles and peppered with humour.
THE LITTLE ROBBER GIRL AUDIO DRAMA
Audiences from around the country can tune into BrokenCrow’s The Little Robber Girl on Baboró.ie and RTÉ Jr throughout the festival. Join Mattie, her little dog Arthur, and her new friend Finn in an exciting audio drama, as they go in search of Mattie’s missing Mammy and return with much more than buried treasure.
VISUAL ART
Widden Ar Geels (The Community Speaks) at Galway Arts Centre will showcase two of Ireland’s leading artists, Leanne McDonagh and Oein DeBhairduin, as they 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.
Wideen Ar Geels at Baboró International Arts Festival for Children
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.
LITERATURE
We all remember the night Adam King stole our hearts with A Hug For You on The Late, Late Toy Show. Join Adam and his father David King for a special family event based on the book A Hug for You that follows a new hug’s adventure and the boy who shared it with the world.
Adam and David King also bring Manage your Moody Monsters to the Mick Lally Theatre. A brand new adventure where we’ll learn the
The INMO has called for the health, safety and wellbeing of nurses and midwives to be at the forefront of Budget 2023.
The union, which represents 42,000 nurses and midwives, has said that urgent action must be taken to tackle years of under-funding, under-staffing and under-resourcing exposed by the pandemic.
The INMO’s pre-Budget submission includes the implementation of the Report of the Expert Review Body on Nursing and Midwifery, and all nurse staffing to be underpinned by the Framework Model for Safe Nurse Staffing and Skill Mix.
They are calling for the Framework to be funded, underpinned by legislation and expanded across the health service.
The submission also calls for recommendations of the Health Service Capacity Review to be implemented, and bed occupancy reduced to 85%.
The INMO wants Sláintecare to deliver a universally accessible health care service for all, which is enshrined in legislation, and called for clarification on the long-term future of Sláintecare.
Other demands include zero tolerance for overcrowding, and for funding to establish a health service division within the HSA to ensure adequate protections for nurses, midwives and other healthcare workers in response to the increase in workplace assaults, burnout and occupational infections.
INMO General Secretary, Phil Ní Sheaghdha, said that since the Dáil broke up for its summer recess, 11,275 people have been without a bed in Irish hospitals.
She said that unless there is meaningful action on staffing, bed capacity and using the capacity of private hospitals, we are in for an extremely bleak winter.
“The Minister for Health must prioritise the publication and actioning of a fully funded winter capacity plan in tandem with Budget 2023.
“Many healthcare workers have been infected, are now getting re-infected and suffering from long COVID, without adequate response from the Government.
“Government must prioritise an occupational injury scheme for nurses and midwives with long COVID, and introduce robust screening, ventilation to ensure clean air, and infection control measures across the health service and society.”
There was an increase of 306 people on the Live Register in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon in August compared to July.
CSO figures show that 18,680 people were on the Live Register in the West region last month compared to 18,374 in July.
Nationally, 197,125 people were on the Live Register in August, of whom 99,036 were males (50.2%) and 98,089 were females (49.8%).
Of those on the register last month, 10.8% were under 25 years of age.
There were 11,851 people benefitting from the EU’s Temporary Protection Directive included in the Live Register figures for August, an increase of 1,909 from July.
The total number of people on the Live Register across the State is 17,364 higher than last year.
Rahoon Cemetery Sunday will take place on September 11, with mass at 3pm.
Due to space restrictions, only vehicles carrying persons with restricted mobility or displaying a Disabled Person’s Parking Card or Permit will be permitted access to the cemetery grounds.
People are reminded that the gates will close to all traffic at 2pm sharp for traffic management purposes.
To allow for pedestrians to exit first, vehicles will not be permitted to leave the cemetery for 30 minutes following the Mass.
Karen Feeney, Galway Simon Community, Karen Golden, CEO Galway Simon Community and Joe O'Brien TD, Minister of State for Community Development and Charities. Photo: Murt Fahy
Galway Simon Community supported more people last year than ever before, with a 26% in the number of households supported compared to 2020.
The charity’s 2021 Annual Impact Report shows that it supported 814 unique households, this included 246 families, with 563 children.
Galway Simon’s CEO Karen Golden revealed the increased demand on services, as well as the charity’s focus on providing solutions to those facing homelessness in the local community.
She welcomed the 364 new social homes delivered across Galway, Mayo and Roscommon in 2021, but said that demand continues to far outstrip supply with 4,052 households on the social housing waiting lists.
She also highlighted that rents continue to increase, and as more landlords are exiting the rental market, there are fewer properties available to rent.
In total, the charity supported 1,511 people across its homelessness prevention and housing services last year.
“Our teams are more stretched than ever before, but we continue to do all that we can to support people for as long as they need us,” said Karen.
“In 2021, we provided supports to rough sleepers and 4,745 emergency bed nights. We established new Housing First tenancies in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon. We extended the residential places in our Youth Service from 8 to 12, and acquired our first properties to provide tenancies for care leavers.
“Over 90% of those who accessed our City Prevention Service did not enter Emergency Accommodation. 37,084 meals were provided across our Services.”
Karen acknowledged the incredible support that was provided by the charity’s funders, donors and supporters in 2021.
She also thanked the volunteers who made such an extraordinary contribution to Galway Simon Community’s work over the last year and who are an integral part of the community.
Launching Galway Simon’s 2021 Annual Impact Report, Minister of State, Joe O’Brien, said that the increase in homelessness seen in recent months is a serious concern for Government.
He said that increasing social housing and residential housing supply is key to eradicating homelessness.
“At the moment State investment of over €4 billion a year in housing is aimed at increasing supply and the Housing For All plan is beginning to take root and deliver improvements,” said Minister O’Brien.
“We in the Green Party have recently reiterated our call for the Right to Housing to be enshrined in the Constitution.
“We believe this will be an important step in ensuring that the rights of those in need of housing are front and centre when it comes to policymaking both now and into the future.”
He said that organisations such as Galway Simon Community provide a crucial service to those in housing insecurity or homelessness.
Closing out the annual report launch, Karen said that there is deep concern among Galway Simon’s teams about the winter ahead.
She said that the cost of living crisis is having a disproportionate impact on the most marginalised.
Karen called on the government to prioritise measures in the budget to mitigate the risks of food and fuel poverty, and the risks of homelessness, this Winter.
She also called on government departments to ensure homeless services are adequately funded, and that vital services that are providing supports to those at the sharpest edge of the current crises are protected.
To download Galway Simon Community’s 2021 Annual Impact Report, visit their website
Bailte Tír an Fhia- Bertie Ó Domhnaill, Mícheál Ó Domhnaill, Síle Nic Chonaonaigh
This Autumn, a new series of the award winning ‘Bailte’ returns with Síle Nic Chonaonaigh, exploring rural communities in Connemara and beyond.
Síle will be continuing her journey through the townlands of Ireland when Bailte returns to the air on Thursday, September 15 on TG4, with the first episode taking her to Tír an Fhia in Connemara.
With over 60,000 townlands in Ireland, they remain one of the pillars of modern Irish life.
On this journey Síle explores the resilience within our rural communities and reveals the deep connection people have with their townland and how local landscapes and traditions remain a constant influence on our daily lives.
The series celebrates hard working and vibrant communities that are working to ensure their community is more than just a mere layby and a pretty spot on the Wild Atlantic Way.
With the spectacular backdrop of rural Ireland and an honest telling of contemporary life ‘Bailte’ gives a distinctive portrayal of life in Ireland.
Each week we visit a different townland and community to learn what life is like for local people.
Some townlands Síle visits have hundreds of locals, while others have much fewer, while one townland we visit has just the one family.
As well as the many advantages of living in rural townlands, the series also shares the difficulties living in remote area, rural depopulation, lack of basic services, unemployment, and the uncertain futures of both the farming and the fishing industries.
The series finds the pulse of rural Ireland in 2022.
Among the townlands visited are Tír an Fhia in Co. Galway, Rann na Feirste in Co. Donegal, Béal Átha an Ghaorthaidh in Cork, and An Baile Riabhach on the Dingle Peninsula.
Episode 1: Tír an Fhia
Tír an Fhia is a busy village of 200 people on Garmna nestled between Cuan Chill Chiaráin and Cuan an Fhir Mhóir in South Conamara.
Síle finds Tír an Fhia to be a welcoming confident village where old customs and traditions are still practised along with a positive outlook and understanding of what is required for a remote community to survive in modern day Ireland.
Síle meets with Antaine Ó Gríofa who, together with his wife and family, returned to Tír an Fhia from England in the 1990s and with Micheál Ó Domhnaill & Eibhlín Ní Chonghaile and their toddler as they begin family life in Tír an Fhia.
Episode 2: Rann na Feirste
Situated along the rugged Northwest coastline of Donegal lies the village of Rann na Feirste.
During her visit Síle Nic Chonaonaigh finds a lively, artistic and proud community steeped in literature, storytelling music and song.
She learns of the origins of the village when in 1736 the Mac Grianna brothers Seán and Pádraig purchased land here for £5 and of how these first settlers still influence the fortunes and lives of the local community to this day.
Episode 3: Béal Átha an Ghaorthaidh
Béal Átha an Ghaorthaidh is a charming village in the Shehy Mountains along the Cork and Kerry border.
It is one of the main villages in the Múscraí Gaeltacht and comprises of two separate townlands, Drom an Ailigh and An Chill Mhór.
During Síle’s time in Béal Átha an Ghaorthaidh she sees the inspiring ways the local community stand by one another.
She is also given an insight into the wealth of music and song in the area which is going from strength to strength with each generation.
Episode 4: An Baile Riabhach
An Baile Riabhach is located a few miles west of An Daingean in West Kerry.
In one way, it is a relatively new townland, as the current occupants are descendants of the families that moved into the village through the land commission’s schemes of the 1950s following the departure of the landlords.
But of course, people lived there long before that, and the archaeological ruins of Teampall Mancháin, also known as An Teampall Geal, are the focal point for the traditional patron festival.
The local community still celebrates the patron festival with a dawn Mass on Easter Sunday, as Síle witnesses on her visit to this vibrant, welcoming, and rich community.
Portiuncula University Hospital has launched a quality improvement initiative with support from the National Dementia Office called Seo Is Mise – This is Me.
The initiative was developed by the Occupational Therapy and Medical Social Work Departments at the hospital and includes a Dementia Resource Pack designed to empower patients and families to make effective decisions and choices about their future care.
The four medical and surgical wards at the hospital will also have access to a Dementia Activity Box suited to individuals requiring stimulation with therapeutic intervention.
Siobhan Coen, Occupational Therapist at Portiuncula University Hospital, said that approximately one in three patients aged 70 and older admitted to Irish hospitals have dementia and this figure will increase annually as the population ages.
People living with dementia are among the most vulnerable patients in hospital as they are often older, frail, and very prone to delirium, falls, pressure ulcers, and malnutrition which are key safety issues in hospitals.
“Included in the information pack is the ‘Seo Is Mise – This is Me’ booklet containing information for service users and their families on the availability of support services in Ballinasloe and surrounding areas,” said Siobhan Coen.
“It also includes the ‘Think Ahead’ form developed by the Irish Hospice Foundation which encourages service users and their families to discuss and record their wishes in regard to all aspects of their future care.”
Another part of the initiative is the introduction of a Dementia Activity Box to enhance the patient’s experience at the hospital.
Speaking about the importance of the box, Siobhan Coen said it aims to promote a more cognitively stimulating environment for our patients with dementia.
The Dementia Activity Box is equipped with a variety of both traditional and new technology products such as jigsaws, conversation balls and iPads which will be used to cognitively stimulate patients and hopefully better build relationships among staff and their patients.
These products are evidence-based to facilitate engaging conversations, stimulate senses and promote reminiscence between patients with dementia, staff and carers.
“It will support optimum health and wellbeing during the patient’s hospital stay and help reduce the anxiety and confusion that can occur whilst in an unfamiliar hospital environment,” she said.
