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Students fares slashed by 50% for private bus companies

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Galway Daily news Students get 50% fare cut for private bus companies

Young people and students can now benefit from a 50% discount for Leap Card fares on many private bus companies.

The government has announced that as of this week, the Young Adult Card and Student Leap Card fare initiative is being extended to the commercial bus sector.

This follows on from a 50% discount for young people using subsidised public transport announced back in May.

There are approximately 30 bus companies participating in the scheme, including GoBus, Expressway, and City Link, who run many intercity journeys from Galway.

It also includes City Direct, which is a major provider of public transport within Galway City.

Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan said that this is good news for young commuters, and timely with colleges, apprenticeships, and training courses starting back up.

He added that initiatives like these are, “firstly putting money back into people’s pockets, and secondly, are helping us reduce our emissions from transport because more people are choosing public and shared transport.”

“We have seen a marked increase in public transport usage in recent months following the introduction of these fare initiatives, with the travelling public recognising the real value for money that these services provide.”

“I’m delighted that the Young Adult Card fare is now being extended to the many commercial bus operators across the country who have chosen to participate in the Scheme.”

The Young Adult Leap Card is available to all 19 to 23 year olds right up to their 24th birthday.

The Student Leap Card remains available to students in full-time education who are 24 years old and above.

This discount scheme is being funded by the Exchequer via the National Transport Authority.

The 50% discount is applied against the equivalent adult far for the journey.

Anne Graham, CEO of the NTA said, “Value for money is not the only factor that gets people on to public transport, but it is an important one.

“We do know that cutting fares to such an extent and expanding services where people can avail of these discounts, will make public transport more attractive to more young adults.”

“We look forward to seeing more young adults using public transport to get to work or college or just when getting out and about with their friends and family.”

Salthill cleans up in latest coastal Litter survey

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Galway Daily news met eireann high temperature warning

Salthill Beach and Dog’s Bay cleaned up, but Lough Rea was still a black spot in the latest annual litter survey of Irish coasts and waterways.

The annual IBAL survey of beaches and harbours found that just eight of the 33 surveyed were deemed ‘Clean to European Norms’.

This was a success for Salthill Beach, which climbed to Clean status after being deemed ‘Littered’ in the latest survey published in July 2021.

The report by Irish Businesses Against Litter singled out Salthill for its significant improvement over the past year, in contrast to many areas which deteriorated.

Dog’s Bay in Connemara also saw a moderate improvement, moving up from ‘Littered’ in 2021 to ‘Moderately Littered’ this year.

Lough Rea, however, continues to languish in the Littered list, along with five other areas in Cork, Kerry, and Donegal.

Unsurprisingly there was a fall-off in Covid masks and gloves found, but also in alcohol-related litter which was linked to lockdown.

Coffee cups remained a significant litter item, however, present in half of the areas surveyed.

The most common forms of litter found by the assessors were cigarette butts, sweet wrappers and plastic bottles.

“Every day it seems we hear more of the dire consequences which marine litter, much of it plastic, holds for our planet,“ adds Mr Horgan.

“We need to impress on people that simple individual actions such as discarding a coffee cup – or even a cigarette butt – have implications which stretch beyond the local environment.”

With 10 million tonnes of plastic ending up in our oceans each year, it is estimated that there will be more plastic than fish in our oceans within 30 years.

U20 Hurling & Junior Football Club Finals: fixtures and tickets

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Galway Daily sport County senior hurling final replay - All you need to know

The U20 Hurling & Junior Football Club Championship finals will both take place this week, with games on Wednesday & Friday.

Craughwell will play Cappataggle in the A1 final this Wednesday, while Ardrahan will face off against Ballinderreen in the B1 final that same day.

Tickets for the finals cost €10, with U16s going free, and can be purchased online here and here respectively.

The A1 Final will take place at Duggan Park, Ballinasloe at 7:30pm, with the B1 Final starting earlier, at 6pm in Kilbeacanty.

The Junior Football Club Championship finals will follow later in the week on Friday, September 9.

First up, Caltra will play Mountbellew-Moylough in the C North final, while Spiddal will play Loughrea in the B final, and up last will be St Michaels’ v Tuam Stars in thr A final.

The C North final will take place in Menlough at 6:30pm on Friday, with the B final on at the same time in Tuam Stadium, and the A final will be on at 8pm that evening in Duggan Park.

Tickets for the A final can be bought here, the B final here, and the C North final here.

One man arrested over cash, drugs & weapons seizure

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Galway Daily news One man arrested over cash, drugs & weapons seizure

One man was arrested with the seizure of over €56,000 in cash & drugs, along with weapons including knives and fake guns on Monday.

Gardaí in Mayo searched a number of properties in Castlebar, Co Mayo on Monday, as part of ongoing investigations.

During the searches, they seized €48,000 in cash along with quantities of cocaine and cannabis worth in excess of €9,000, pending analysis.

Other drugs paraphernalia and electronic devices were also seized in the search, as were multiple weapons.

They included several knives and bladed weapons, brass knuckles, and imitation guns.

One male, aged in his 40s, was arrested as part of this investigation. He is currently detained for questioning at Castlebar Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.

Gardaí say that the drugs and items will be sent for analysis, and that the investigation is ongoing.

Galway weather: Unsettled few days ahead but sunshine to return

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Galway Daily weather Weather warning for heavy rain and possible flooding now in effect

Met Éireann has extended a weather advisory until 7pm on Wednesday with heavy showers forecast for much of the country over the coming days.

There will be further spells of heavy rain or showers, possibly causing disruption.

The advisory, which is a level below a yellow weather warning, is for all counties in the Republic.

But there is also some sunshine on the way for much of the country in the second half of the week.

Good spells of warm sunshine are forecast on Thursday along with scattered showers. These showers will be heavy in places with a possibility of thunder.

Maximum temperatures will be 17 to 20 degrees in light to moderate northerly breezes.

Friday looks set to be another bright day with temperatures in the high teens and early 20s.

Met Éireann says that indications suggest the weekend will bring plenty of dry weather with just a few showers.

People over 65 urged to ask doctor for annual stethoscope check

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Galway Daily news Galway man tells harrowing tale of heart transplant and recovery

Irish heart and stroke charity Croí is reminding all adults over the age of 65 years to ask their doctor for an annual stethoscope check.

The call comes in advance of International Heart Valve Disease Awareness Week from 12 to 18 September, which aims to improve diagnosis, treatment and management of heart valve disease.

Heart valve disease occurs when valves in the heart are damaged or not working properly, and despite this being a serious condition it is treatable.

As we age, symptoms like breathlessness, fatigue and dizziness could be signs of heart valve disease, and sometimes go undetected.

Regular checks for a heart murmur using a stethoscope could be the first step in the detection of heart valve disease. People experiencing these symptoms should ask their doctor for a stethoscope check.

Heart valve disease is common, serious, but treatable. Statistics show that one in eight people (13%) over the age of 75 are thought to suffer from moderate to severe heart valve disease, which can lead to premature death if left untreated.

Across the week, Croí will be hosting various events including free stethoscope checks to raise awareness of heart valve disease. In addition, a special webinar will take place on September 15 with expert speakers on heart valve disease.

The webinar will discuss the early signs and symptoms of heart valve disease and members of the public will have the opportunity to put their questions to Ms Sarah Early, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon at St James’s Hospital in Dublin and a patient who is living with heart valve disease. 

Speaking today, Croí CEO Neil Johnson said that the prevalence of heart valve disease is increasing due to our ageing population and that it has been described as ‘the next cardiac epidemic’.

He said that to address this, an annual stethoscope check needs to become a matter of routine for everyone over 65 years of age and particularly for anyone who is experiencing symptoms of heart valve disease.

“As we get older our heart often tries to send us a message and it is so important that we listen to it. Symptoms such as fatigue, breathlessness or dizziness can all be signs of heart valve disease and can often go undetected.

“If you’re experiencing these symptoms, you need to ask your doctor for a stethoscope check, and if you are over 65 years old, having an annual stethoscope check could be the first step in the detection of heart valve disease.”

Neil Johnson said their research indicates that most people over 65 years in Ireland are not having regular stethoscope checks when they attend their GP.

“Even if symptoms are not present, an annual stethoscope for over 65s is a matter of good heart health routine,” he said.

Learn more and register now for the Croí webinar on heart valve disease – www.croi.ie/valveweek

University of Galway SU launches Refreshers Fair 

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galway daily news SU Launch Refreshers Fair
PICTURED (Left to Right): Imogen O’Flaherty Falconer, Sai Gujulla, Joe Mee and Barry Ó Siochrú (University of Galway Students’ Union)

University of Galway Students’ Union has today launched its Refreshers Fair which will take place on campus next Tuesday, 13 September from 11am to 4pm.

The event is set to welcome students back to campus with a range of fun activities, freebies and prizes.

There will be food stalls from the Galway Market traders as well as a vintage clothing pop up shop, and the SU will also be distributing their ‘Rudaí Áille’ reusable tote bags full of freebies and information for students.

There will be inflatable games and lots of offers, prizes and surprises from student friendly businesses from Galway and beyond.

They will also be hosting the ever popular SU Outdoor Cinema on Monday 12 September. 

Students’ Union President Sai Gujulla said: “We wanted to give returning University of Galway students a big welcome back to campus with a Refreshers Fair to make up for the two years of Freshers’ Fairs lost to Covid.

“We also have lots of events planned for our new First Year students later this month.”

Students’ Union Vice President/Welfare and Equality Officer Imogen O’Flaherty Falconer said that the event is a great chance for our students to meet each other in person, make friends, have some fun and get to know campus again.

“We are again focussing on sustainability with our Rudaí Áille reusable tote bags and the vintage clothing pop up shop.”

Community health care workers going on strike in Galway

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Galway Daily news community disability services strike

Community sector workers in Galway will be holding a one day strike later this month over pay and conditions.

Fórsa trade union has said that the one day protest will take place at Ability West and Western Care on Thursday, September 22, as part of the ICTU-led Valuing Care, Valuing Community campaign.

Other coordinated strike action by SIPTU and INMO members will take place in Cork, Mayo and Donegal on Wednesday & Thursday, September 21 – 22.

Fórsa national secretary Ashley Connolly said, “Government is failing to grasp the link between its chronic underfunding of the services we’re talking about and the failure to meet the HSE’s recruitment targets in, for example, disability services.

She said that the HSE has acknowledged difficulties in meeting targets for disability services nationwide.

Staffing problems contribute to growing waiting lists and issues with delivering services, Ashley added.

“The HSE leans heavily on the community and voluntary sector to deliver these services.”

“These are the same organisations struggling to attract enough qualified and experienced staff in a very tight labour market.”

“Why? Because they can get better paid work elsewhere.”

“The high level of staff turnover drives up HR and related recruitment costs.”

“The failure to fund the services adequately has led directly to shortfalls in services, growing waiting lists and an intolerable burden placed on nursing and other care staff in the sector.”

Last month saw Fórsa commununity and voluntary sector workers hold a rally in Galway City on Saturday, August 27 as part of the F’und us fairly, pay us right’ campaign.

Month long closure of city centre street

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Galway Daily news road closure

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

The City Council has made an order for the closure of Newtownsmith from its junction with the R863 to the entrance to the Mercy Convent carpark.

The road will be closed from 6pm on Friday, September 23 until 12am on Friday, October 28.

This is to allow construction work to take place on the new Salmon Weir Pedestrian and Cycling bridge.

Upgrade works will also be carried out on the Newtownsmith carriageway during this time.

Temporary diversion routes will be in place via Mary Street (L-5096) and St. Francis Street (R866)

Enabling works by the river bank have already been carried out in recent months ahead of the main build.

Plans for the new pedestrian bridge were approved by An Bord Pleanála last year, and the first sod was turned back in April.

The bridge, which comes in three spans, will cross three waterways: Persse’s Distillery River (formally called Mill Race), the Lower River Corrib and Friar’s River (formerly called Waterside canal).

The three spans will be roughly 10m, 55m and 15m in length respectively.

The City Council secured €3.5 million funding for the project from the European Regional Development Fund back in 2019, with matched funding from the National Transport Authority.

Plans for Spiddal housing development

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Galway Daily news

Planning permission is being sought for a housing estate on the north side of Spiddal village.

Hyman Properties Ltd have submitted plans to Galway County Council to build 15 houses on the Baile Árd road.

The eight semi-detached and seven terraced houses would be built at the existing Ard na Speire development.

In order to comply with Part V planning law requirements, the developer proposes to transfer two semi-detached houses to the county council for social or affordable housing.

Other works will include green areas at either end of the site, along with car and bicycle parking.

Galway County Council is due to make a decision on this planning application by October 5 of this year.

Garda appeal for missing 50 year old man

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Gardaí have made a public appeal for help locating a man missing from Loughrea since last week.

Alan Kelly (50) has been missing from his home in Loughrea since the afternoon of Thursday, September 1.

Alan is described as being 5 foot 8 inches tall with a stocky build. He has mid-length brown hair, a beard and brown eyes.

It is not known what Alan was wearing at the time he went missing.

Gardaí and Alan’s family are concerned for his welfare.

Anyone with any information on Alan’s whereabouts are asked to contact Loughrea Garda Station on 091 842 870, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Galway County Council shortlisted for two Local Government Awards

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Galway Daily news Galway County Council shortlisted for Excellence in Local Government Award

Galway County Council has been shortlisted for two awards at the annual Excellence in Local Government awards.

Now in their 19th year, these awards are held by Chambers Ireland together with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

This year, 23 councils have been nominated for awards in more than 15 categories, including the new categories of Climate Change, Communications, and Diversity & Inclusion.

The two nominations for Galway County Council are in the Heritage & the Built Environment and Local Authority Innovation categories.

The first is for the ‘Galway Community Archaeology Project’, which liaises with the owners, occupiers, and communities around monuments to monitor their condition and help manage them.

The second nomination is for the county council’s ‘Severe Weather Event Management System’, the first of its kind in Ireland.

This system, rolled out this summer, uses technology to better gather and coordinate data from existing resources and emergency teams, and can disseminate warnings to the public via social media, or through an app.

Minister of State for Planning and Local Government Peter Burke said, “every year I am astounded by the calibre of applications”.

“The officials and councillors who serve their communities have an indisputably positive effect of the lives of citizens, and they should be immensely proud of their achievements”.

He said that over the past two years, local authorities have shown “flexibility and adaptability” to support the community and isolated individuals during the pandemic.

Minister Burke congratulated all the local authorities who submitted applications. “You are commended for the excellent work you do.”

“This annual event is an opportunity to recognise and acknowledge all the hard work carried out throughout the year,” he concluded.

Commenting on the announcement of the shortlist, Ian Talbot, Chief Executive of Chambers Ireland, said that the 80 projects featured showcase the “hard work and ambitious planning” that takes place in local government.

“The Awards are the ideal platform to showcase the inventiveness and innovation that Local Authorities are consistently delivering, which so often goes unnoticed.”

The winners of the Excellence in Local Government Awards will be announced on November 24 at an event in the Crown Plaza Hotel in Santry, with one also being crowned the overall Local Authority of the Year 2022.

Galway tech company Ronspot raises €1.1 million investment

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Pictured announcing that Furthr VC has led a €1.1M investment in Ronspot are: Richard Watson, Managing Partner, Furthr VC; and Michael Furey, CEO, Ronspot

Galway tech company Ronspot has raised €1.1 million in venture funding that will see it add ten new jobs, and continue to expand globally.

Ronspot is a software solution for offices and businesses that have adopted hybrid working, offering a three-in-one space management platform.

The cloud based application allows people to book car and bicycle parking, hot desks and meeting rooms, as well as manage visitor requirements and other resources including lockers.

The app allows users to see the availability of these resources in real-time, as well as the bookings of their colleagues.

The funding round was led by Furthr VC, with investment also coming from the Halo Business Angel Network (HBAN) and Enterprise Ireland.

Michael Furey, CEO of Ronspot said, “We are grateful to iHub at the Atlantic Technological University, in Galway for giving us a space to learn and grow.”

“The past 4 years have taught us a lot, but for me, I learned the importance of having a long-term plan with a well organised and motivated team.”

“For Ronspot, the customer really is king. And in order to manage and support our customers we need to be well resourced and staffed.”

Ronspot started out as a parking management solution in 2018, but evolved to include other aspects of a hybrid workplace over the years.

From initially having just two customers at that time, it now operates in more than 30 countries, with more than 200 customers globally.

Growing from a team of just three people initially, this latest round of investment will allow the company to add another 10 positions as it continues to expand, up to a workforce of 28 people.

The new roles, based in Galway and Dublin on a hybrid or remote basis, will be in the areas sales, marketing, customer success, data security and human resources.

The additional team members will help Ronspot to expand in new and existing markets, with the company currently aiming for a physical presence in Germany, France, Italy and Spain with the help of Enterprise Ireland.

Richard Watson, Managing Partner, Furthr VC, said; “Great companies can be born out of uncertain times and Ronspot is an example of this.”

“Early in the pandemic, the team recognised that the world of office work was changing forever and took the company in a new direction to take advantage of this.”

“We are excited to be leading this investment round and look forward to working closely with Ronspot’s leadership team as we prepare for strong international growth and ultimately delivering significant returns for our investors and other shareholders.”

Met Éireann issues blight warning for Galway

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Galway Daily news blight warning for galway

Met Éireann has issued a warning for blight for Galway which will come into effect on Tuesday.

The forecasters say weather conditions conducive to the spread of potato blight will develop in many areas Tuesday through to Thursday.

There will be opportunities for spraying today, Sunday September 4.

The Met Éireann warning applies to all counties in the Republic.

Festival of storytelling to take place on Inishbofin next weekend

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galway daily news inishbofin storytelling

The first ever Inishbofin Tidings – Storytelling Festival will take place from 9 to 11 September on Inishbofin Island.

This family-friendly festival explores storytelling in various forms and is inviting visitors to come along to tell their stories.

The festival kicks off on Friday 9 September with a book launch and exhibition opening of ‘Stories Untold’ by Veronika Straberger and Marie Coyne and a special screening of ‘Desecration’, a film shot on Inishbofin in the 1980s.

Saturday has something for all ages including, music and storytelling for children, a free creative workshop for young explorers and storytelling events for adults.

Sunday’s family friendly program will end with ‘Stories through Song’, a sean-nós concert featuring Inishbofin’s own Ann Prendergast, Connemara-based Caitríona Ní Cheannabháin and singer-songwriter Inni-K.

Several events are also available for visitors coming for a day trip.

Tickets are from €5. To see the full program, go to inishbofin.com/tidings/.  

Dismantling of Citizens Information ‘disastrous’ says local TD

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galway daily news claire kerrane at dáil child maintenance

Roscommon-Galway TD Claire Kerrane has warned that the ‘ongoing dismantling’ of Citizens Information Services across the State is disastrous for communities.

Speaking this week, Deputy Kerrane said that alarm bells were raised when restructuring and regionalisation by the Citizens Information Board went ahead in 2017.

The Sinn Féin TD said that at the time, the Committee on Social Protection examined the restructuring plans and compiled a report recommending that the restructuring not go ahead – but this was ignored.

“In fact at the time, it was Fianna Fáil in opposition who brought forward a Dáil Motion calling on the restructuring plans to be scrapped which we supported,” she said.

“They now appear silent as the consequences of restructuring is felt in communities, exactly as we warned it would.”

Deputy Kerrane said that the decision to change the way in which volunteers give their time and expertise in Citizen Information Services across the State, some for decades, does not serve the public.

“In one case recently highlighted we are seeing the potential loss of over twenty Volunteers in one Centre, replaced with a part-time staff member who will provide far less of a service in terms of opening hours and time.

“The treatment of volunteers is also disappointing as is the lack of recognition for what they have provided for decades right across the State.

“Citizens Information is a really crucial service and it is needed now more than ever. The loss of Volunteers’ expertise and time will be hugely negative.”

Online Gaming Is Actually Good For You; Here’s Why

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Gaming has gotten a bad rep over the years. Yes, online gaming has opened the door for some bizarre interactions. But it can also be an easy way to make new friends and positively impact your life. And video games aren’t just for the kids. In fact, there are many benefits for adults that you may not have even realised.  

Online gaming is actually good for you in many ways. It increases your hand-eye coordination, trains your brain and can even help with stress relief. But if you’re new to online gaming, what games can you play online?

What Games Can You Play Online?

Most people have played some form of online multiplayer game at some point. The most popular are games such as Call of Duty, Overwatch, Fortnite, and many other first-person shooter games. But there is plenty of other fish in the gaming sea. If you enjoy a casual, classic games sort of atmosphere, Koi-Casino is a great place to start. Steam has an excellent library of AAA and indie games for the beginner. And you could always just choose for the best sellers list. 

The point is that you can play pretty much any game you want online. There’s a vast selection, so you’re sure to find one that suits your tastes and lifestyle. Not convinced? Here are 4 reasons why online gaming is actually good for you.

Train Your Brain

Certain games can even help improve your memory, focus and problem-solving skills. For example, strategic games like Age of Empires or The Sims can help train your brain to think strategically. If you prefer something a little less serious, Candy Crush, Bejeweled and other puzzle games can provide a similar mental workout. By regularly playing these types of games, you can improve your mental agility and sharpen your problem-solving skills. This means playing games like these can help keep your brain active as you age, which can actually help lower your risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Build Social Skills

Playing challenges or multiplayer games can help you practice your social skills in a low-pressure environment. You can play with people worldwide, so you’re less likely to feel intimidated. The best part is that you can still have fun even if you don’t play well. Nobody will criticise you for messing up; they’re just happy you’re there. As a result, playing these types of online games regularly can help you feel more comfortable when it comes time to meet new people in person.

Help With Stress Relief

If you’re stressed, it can be challenging to relax and unwind. Playing games can actually help lower your blood pressure and make you feel less stressed. And puzzle games are known for being relaxing. If you’re looking for something a little more intense, you can play first-person shooter games to get a similar effect. This game requires a lot of concentration and hand movement, which can help you relax. When you’re too stressed, your muscles can tense up and make things worse. So, playing an FPS game for an hour or two can help release your muscles and help you relax.

Hand-Eye Coordination

There aren’t many ways to improve your hand-eye coordination as an adult. However, many jobs require you to have excellent hand-eye coordination. And can improve it by playing video game versions of golf or tennis. People have also noticed improvements in eye health after playing video games. So you can protect your vision while improving your hand-eye coordination. In addition, playing these games can help you develop better reflexes, which can be handy in many day-to-day activities.

Conclusion

As you can see, online gaming is actually good for you. It can help you improve your hand-eye coordination, train your brain, build social skills, help with stress relief and even develop better reflexes. Gaming regularly can also help you get out of the house and meet new people. 

If you’re feeling stressed and need a break, don’t worry about what other people think. Find a game that interests you and get lost in the virtual world. You’ll be glad you did.

Weather warning lifted but more heavy rain and thunderstorms forecast

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Galway Daily weather Falling temperatures and weekend rain mark weather for rest of the week

Met Éireann’s status yellow weather warning has been lifted this morning, as the heavy rain which flooded parts of the country last night makes way for a dry and bright Sunday.

But this afternoon’s sunshine will be short-lived, with more heavy downpours expected tonight, along with the possibility of thunderstorms.

The rain will move northwards as the night goes on, and it will become clear by Monday morning.

Lowest temperatures tonight will be between 9 and 11 degrees with moderate to fresh southeast winds.

Met Éireann say Monday will begin with sunny spells in most parts of the county, but showery rain will spread as the day goes on with heavy falls at times.

Highest temperatures of 17 to 21 degrees are forecast for tomorrow in fresh southeast winds, remaining strong near some coasts.

Inishbofin residents told not to consume water until further notice

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galway daily news Do Not Consume notice

People on the Inishbofin Public Water Supply Scheme have been told not to consume water due to elevated levels of manganese.

The notice, issued by Irish Water, applies to around 156 customers on the island.

They say that it is especially important that mains drinking water is not given to bottle-fed infants.

The notice differs from a Boil Water Notice as boiling water will not reduce manganese levels, and is therefore not a suitable measure to make the water safe to consume.

Other areas and water schemes in Galway are not affected by the alert.

Tankered water is being made available near the pier on the island to provide an alternative water supply to customers.

Customers are being reminded to use their own containers when taking water from the tanker and to boil water before consumption as a precautionary measure.

Irish Water has said that experts are working with their colleagues in Galway County Council to resolve the situation as soon as possible.

“Irish Water is aware of the impact a Do Not Consume Notice has on the community and would like to reassure impacted customers that we are working hard to lift the notice as quickly and as safely as possible,” said Rónan Daly, Operations Lead with Irish Water.

“We would ask customers who have concerns to contact our customer care team on 1800 278 278.”

Water should not be used for

  • Drinking
  • Drinks made with water
  • Food preparation, washing or cooking of food,
  • Brushing of teeth
  • Making of ice
  • Children under 12 months old should not drink this water
  • In particular, children under 12 months old should not drink this water. This water should not be used for making up infant formula for bottled fed infants. An alternative source of water should be used. Bottled water can also be used to make up infant formula. All bottled water, with the exception of natural mineral water, is regulated to the same standard as drinking water. It is best not to use bottled water labelled as ‘Natural Mineral Water’ as it can have high levels of sodium (salt) and other minerals, although it rarely does. ‘Natural Mineral Water’ can be used if no other water is available, for as short a time as possible, as it is important to keep babies hydrated.
  • If bottled water is used to make up infant formula it should be boiled once (rolling boil for 1 minute), and cooled in the normal way
  • Ready-to-use formula that does not need added water can also be used.
  • Domestic water filters will not render water safe to drink
  • Caution should be taken when bathing infants to ensure that they do not swallow the bathing water
  • Discard ice cubes in fridges and freezers and filtered water in fridges

What can you use water for?

  • The water can be used for personal hygiene, bathing, flushing toilets, laundry and washing of utensils
  • Irish Water and Galway County Council will continue to liaise with the Health Service Executive with a view to lifting this drinking water restriction as soon as practicable.

Updates will be available on our Water Supply Updates section, on Twitter @IWCare and via our customer care helpline, open 24/7 on 1800 278 278.

Eamon Ó Cuív praises GRD and Ukrainian community efforts

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galway daily news ukrainian refugee efforts in galway
Pictured at the Manual Handling course in Peacock's Hotel were Martin MacDonald from Galway Rural Development’s SICAP team, together with Ukrianian translator Maria Kobylnyk

Efforts to support Ukrainian refugees in Galway have been highlighted by Galway West TD Éamon Ó Cuív.

The Fianna Fáil TD heaped praise on the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) delivered by Galway Rural Development, which works to train and settle those who have arrived in the county.

He thanked the team at Galway Rural Development and the other agencies which have displayed ‘resilience and flexibility as we collectively seek to support those who have arrived’.

Deputy Ó Cuív said that it is of paramount importance that Ireland has been a strong supporter and friend of Ukraine and assisting Ukrainians to adapt and integrate.

CEO of GRD Steve Dolan thanked the communities and community leaders who have been so supportive of the efforts to support the Ukrainians.

“Across the county, from Clifden to Kiltormer and from Tuam down to Gort, Galwegians have been wonderful at coordinating local efforts and being generous with their time, training, and employment provided,” said Dolan.

“It should also be borne in mind that the vast majority of Ukrainian adults here are female so we’ve also targeted supports there.

“And recently, for Ukrainians who want to set up their own enterprise, we’ve just provided information sessions with Éamon Ó Cuív who has been terrific with his time and in giving one-to-one support”.

Dr Anne Cassidy, Senior Manager of SICAP said: “At our end, in terms of getting the arrivals ‘work ready’, we’ve provided Ukrainian-specific Safe-Pass courses – both through English, and Ukrainian with the assistance of a translator – which were open to people across the county and we will continue to target these courses to get Ukrainians job-ready.

“We have also continued to gather the names of those interested in other courses, notwithstanding the challenges of the movement of people throughout the county.

“We have also delivered manual handling, fire safety, and HAACP courses for Ukrainians with interpreters and we plan to roll out First Aid courses which are also often a job requirement.”

The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) is delivered across Ireland by community-led Local Development Companies’, funded through the Department of Rural and Community Development and co-funded from the European Social Fund.

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Seven Galway bars take home medal at 2026 Bar of the...

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Galway bars took home eight medals in the 2026 Bar of the Year Awards on Monday night in a great showing for hospitality on...

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Galway Daily business Galway house prices increase 2.1%

Gardaí warn of student rental scams as CAO offers come in

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Students receiving CAO offers are being urged to be careful of rental scams when looking for accommodation, with a sharp spike expected in the...