University of Galway receives more recognition for gender equality progress

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September 13, 2022

Galway Daily news Work underway to deliver fibre broadband for 2,500 homes in East Galway

Almost 2,500 homes and businesses in Gort are now able to order or pre-order high speed fibre broadband.

This part of the continuing rollout of the National Broadband Plan, which is targeting a total of 40,000 premises in Galway.

With the addition of Gort, there are now over 5,000 premises in the county being served by the NBI network, with a further 8,000 in areas under construction.

Peter Hendrick, CEO of National Broadband Ireland, said: “We are delighted to announce that premises in Gort can now order or pre-order broadband services through the NBI network.

“This will enable users to experience the life-changing benefits that high-speed broadband provides.”

“As an increasing number of homes and businesses are being connected, we are confident that the rollout will continue to gather pace as we look to connect thousands more homes and businesses.”

“We are acutely aware that people want access to high-speed broadband and our goal is to deliver that as quickly as possible.”

In Athenry and Loughrea, 2,477 and 2,393 premises have been surveyed to date with network designs completed to deliver the new Fibre to the Home (FTTH) network in these areas.

Work on both Athenry and Gort is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

Mayor Higgins praises skill and achievement of All-Ireland Camogie Champions

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September 13, 2022

Mayor Higgins praises skill and achievement of All-Ireland Camogie Champions

Mayor of Galway City Cllr Clodagh Higgins paid tribute to the skill, talent, and teamwork of the Galway Intermediate Camogie Team at an event this week.

A Mayoral Reception was held for the victorious Camogie team on Monday, celebrating their All-Ireland victory last month.

The Galway women claimed the title with a 0-13 to 0-11 victory over Cork in Croke Park.

Speaking about the significance of this achievement, Mayor Higgins commented, “Following in the footsteps of our ancestors 3,000 years ago, most of us in the room will have had a go of a camán and sliotar at some point in our childhoods”

She added that, “very many of us will soon have realised that it takes hours of practice, and innate natural athleticism, and sporting prowess to make that sliotar go where we want it to.”

“The Camogie team being honoured today have mastered this skill. They have also mastered teamwork and strategy, and shown determination and tenacity on the pitch.

“For every young girl in Galway running around a GAA pitch tonight – you are an inspiration.”

“When you ran onto the pitch in Croke Park, you showed them what can be achieved by the women of Galway in sport. You walked on to the national stage, played like champions, and were rewarded with victory.”

The Mayor recognised the achievements of the Manager Cathal Murray, and the management team who supported the team to victory, and thanked the families of the players for their support.

The Team Captain, Lisa Casserly; Cathal Murray, Team Manager, and Brian Griffin, Chairperson, Galway Camogie, also spoke on the day.

Public event on Special Olympics volunteering opportunities

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September 13, 2022

Galway Daily sport Public event on Special Olympics volunteering opportunities

Special Olympics Ireland are hosting an event in Galway next to provide information on volunteering opportunities.

The event will take place at Menlo Park Hotel on Wednesday, September 21st from 7pm-8pm, for anyone that might be interested in hearing about local volunteering opportunities within the county.

There are various different volunteer roles on offer across clubs in the county and also upcoming events in the area.

The local club representatives will be there on the night to talk to anyone who may be interested in coming on board in a voluntary role.

Regional development officer Breffni Gorman says that they welcome anyone interested in volunteering, with no prior experience required.

“You don’t need to have a background in sport as we have lots of different volunteering opportunity types across a number of different clubs and events.”

“In September the Special Olympics regional swimming event takes place in Leisureland Galway and it’s a great opportunity for someone to come on board and get involved with Irelands largest volunteer led organisation”.

If you would like to hear more about how you can get involved come along to the event.

Alternatively if you are unable to make it on the night you can get more details on local opportunities by emailing Breffni.gorman@specialolympics.ie

Blue Teapot shine a light on debut playwright with Into the Dark Woods

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September 13, 2022

Galway Daily theatre Blue Teapot shine a light on debut playwright with Into the Dark Woods — Into the Dark Woods, Charlene Kelly, Blue Tea Pot. Theatre Company .Photo: Andrew Downes xposure

West Of Ireland theatre company Blue Teapot will debut their co production with Abbey Theatre Into the Dark Woods this Wednesday in Galway.

Written by debut playwright Charlene Kelly, Into The Dark Woods is a story told through the lens of intellectual disability, drawing on archetypes found in fairytale and nature and features an inclusive cast.

lue Teapot have worked towards a strategic ambition to stage a theatre production written by an artist from within the company.

Charlene Kelly’s play emerged from a series of creative writing initiatives with dramaturg Eileen Gibbons, leading to collaboration with the Abbey Theatre, Ireland’s national theatre, as co-producer.

Directed by Petal Pilley, the play tells the story of a Prince tired of being controlled by his father. Heartbroken he runs away, into the woods. Cold and alone he calls out for help.

A girl, also lost, is charmed into leaving a safe and familiar path. Hunted by darkness, their way out is uncertain.

Into The Dark Woods runs from Wednesday 14 to Saturday 17 of September in the Black Box Theatre, Galway.

The play will take play at 8pm each evening, with additional day time shows on Friday, September 16 at 11am, and Saturday, September 17 at 3pm. The show is suitable for adults and children aged 10+ years.

A Galway 2020 European Capital of Culture Commission. Tickets for Into The Dark Woods are available online via www.tht.ie and from Town Hall Theatre Box Office 091 569777.

The play will be supported by a Touch Tour, which is a first for this work. Touch Tours can be very beneficial to theatre patrons who are blind, visually impaired, on the autistic spectrum, non-verbal or have intellectual difficulties.

It enables those audiences a better theatre going experience and helps contextualise the stage and Charlene Kelly’s debut play, which is visually descriptive in written narrative.

Speaking about what patrons can expect, Mo Harte explained, “A Touch Tour is not only for visually impaired patrons but can also be beneficial for those who process differently.”

“It is a tactile exploration of the geography of a theatre space, the stage, selected props, costumes and furniture”.

Ahead of this tour, Mo Harte will prepare programme notes to describe the set and costumes, which will be available to read and listen to via Blue Teapot’s social media channels from Friday, September 16.

Plans to demolish former nursing home for housing shot down

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September 13, 2022

Galway Daily news Planning appeal over 91 houses & apartments in Athenry

Galway County Council has refused planning permission to demolish a former nursing home in Barna for a new housing development.

Plans were submitted to the county council for the demolition of the former Villa Maria nursing home at Truskey West.

In its place it was intended that 12 detached houses would be built, two of them reserved for social or affordable housing.

Planning permission was ultimately refused by the county council due to concerns about the design of the development, and road safety issues.

The council said that the scale and density of the development would be inappropriate, that the height and layout of the estate would be out of character with the area, and that the plans did not have enough public and private open space.

In terms of road safety the council said that the plans lack an appropriate connection to the existing footpath network, creating a safety risk for pedestrians.

Concerns were also raised about visibility on the access road to and from the site, as well the capacity of the site to cater for larger vehicles, and a lack of electric vehicle charging points.

Letter | Is it too much to ask?

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September 13, 2022

galway daily news young person emigrating

Dear Editor,

Following the news from National Youth Council of Ireland that over 70% of 18-24 year olds are considering emigration, there has been a specific diminishing of young people’s concerns.

The assurance that this ‘has always been the case’ deserves a sincere rebuttal – why is this the case?

Why should young people be forced to look abroad for opportunities? Why should young people feel fearful of their futures, or have their mental health worsened due to the crises in Ireland?

Is it too much to ask that the place where I am born be an attractive and worthwhile place to grow old?

Is it too much to want to imagine owning a home, being able to have our own family, being able to live happily and without difficulty in making ends meet?

Recently, my grandmother passed away and I was incredibly thankful for myself and family that none of us had to travel across the world to be there for her funeral. In a time of grief, it was a small comfort.

I for one wish to remain here for good, to cherish my time with my parents, remaining grandparents, my girlfriend’s family, and all those I have come to call friends in my short 24 years.

Yours,
Criodán Ó Murchú
Postgraduate Representative, Údarás na hOllscoile, Ollscoill na Gaillimhe
Board Member, SpunOut.ie & Text50808

Five Galway community projects to receive €200,000

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September 13, 2022

galway daily news killyan community field

The government has announced today that five more community projects in Co. Galway will receive funding totalling just over €200,000 under the CLÁR programme.

Seventy-four sports clubs, schools and community groups across the country will receive grants of up to €50,000 to develop a range of projects.

The successful projects include astroturf pitches, community gyms, playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts, outdoor pool tables, outdoor cinemas, walkways, public toilets and car park facilities.

Galway allocations

Galway	Galway County Council	Enhancements to the community playground in Portumna.	€36,472.50
Galway	Skehana Community Development (SCD)	Upgrade of the current car parking at the Skehana Community Facility.	€50,000.00
Galway	Killyan Community Field	Upgrades to include works on walkway and lighting around perimeter of pitches. Plans also include improvements to site drainage and installation of seating area.	€45,000.00
Galway	Collins Park Playground Committee	To enhance facilities at the community playground.	€18,904.34
Galway	Donaghpatrick National School	Development of a community walkway and small playground on the school grounds which will be accessible to the wider community.	€50,000.00

Announcing the funding, Minister Heather Humphreys said that sports clubs, schools and community groups are the lifeblood of rural Ireland.

“They are a focal point – places where people of all ages come together to socialise and meet up with friends,” said the Minister.

“This investment of over €2.75 million under the CLÁR Programme will support 74 diverse community projects the length and breadth of the country.

“It’s an investment that will improve the lives of our young people – providing them with facilities such as astroturf pitches, playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts and even outdoor pool areas.”

Building works taking place at Portiuncula Hospital

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September 13, 2022

Galway Daily news Portiuncula Hospital reports high flu circulation

Portiuncula University Hospital is carrying out necessary building works over the coming weeks which will result in reduced capacity in the outpatient waiting area.

As part of the works, the hospital has relocated the Outpatient Department, meaning there will be less space in the outpatient waiting area for a number of weeks.

The hospital is asking patients to attend for their appointment alone where possible and only patients who require assistance should be accompanied.

James Keane, Hospital Manager, apologised for the inconvenience caused during these necessary works.

“I regret the disruption to patients caused during the renovations but this work is vital to improving facilities, providing additional single room accommodation and additional bed,” he said.

“I want to thank the public for their patience and understanding during this work.”

Japan’s finest young musicians to perform in Galway this week

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September 13, 2022

galway daily news Higashikawa Band playing music in galway

Sixty of Japan’s finest young wind and brass players will spend five days in Galway this week to perform at a number of schools and at Galway Cathedral.

The highly talented Higashikawa Band will visit Ballinasloe Secondary School, Claddagh National School and Coláiste Bhaile Chláir on Thursday 15September.

The musicians will also rehearse and perform with students from Athenry Music School, the Galway Chamber Choir and St Patrick’s Brass Band Galway and Ballinasloe Brass Band.

The Galway visit, an initiative of the EU-Japan Fest Japan Committee, will end with a performance at Galway Cathedral on Sunday 18 September at 7.30pm.

The free entry event will feature the Higashikawa Band alongside students from Athenry Music School, the Galway Chamber Choir and St Patricks Brass Band.

The visit and concerts are being curated and artistically directed by Professor James Cavanagh in collaboration with Claddagh School of Music, Athenry Music School and St Patrick’s Brass Band.

Following their concert in Galway The Higashikawa Band will then travel to Dublin where they will perform at Our Lady’s Hospice Harold’s Cross and also with the renowned Dublin Concert Band at All Hallows Church Drumcondra on Tuesday 20 September at 8pm. There will be free admission to all events.

Speaking about the visit Brendan McGrath, Galway City Council Chief Executive, said that they are delighted to welcome the young people of Higashikawa to Galway.

“We are very much looking forward to further exchanges with our colleagues in EU Japan Fest, it’s one of the many legacies of the European Capital of Culture designation.”

Also speaking about the visit Professor James Cavanagh said: “It is a great honour to be invited to curate this visit by the Higashikawa Band to Ireland.

“Through music, these young musicians will share their musical and cultural identity with young Irish musicians, all of which will create wonderful experiences and long-lasting life-long friendships. Music is indeed a global asset to be cherished.”

As part of the visit, members of the EU Japan Fest Japan Committee, including its Chairman Mr Kunibe, will also visit and meet with various social, cultural and business organisations.

Book of condolences opens in Galway for Queen Elizabeth II

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September 13, 2022

galway daily news queen book of condolences — A book of condolences for the British Queen. Photograph by Aengus McMahon

A book of condolences in memory of Queen Elizabeth II has been opened by Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Clodagh Higgins.

The book will be available in City Hall for anyone who wants to express messages of sympathy to the British royal family, and the British people on the passing of the Queen.

Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Clodagh Higgins, extended her sympathies to Charles, the royal family, and people in Britain after Queen Elizabeth II died last week.

“Throughout her reign, of over 70 years, she demonstrated a commitment to duty and to public service,” she said.

“Her passing is the end of an era, and our thoughts are with all those feeling this loss at this sad time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam”.

The book of condolences will be available in City Hall, during normal opening hours, until 14 October 2022.

Over 100 people attend meeting on Older People’s Council

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September 12, 2022

galway daily news older people's council

Over 100 people went to the Menlo Park Hotel last Monday to find out more about the new Older People’s Council for Galway city.

Among the line-up of informative and enlightening speakers were none other than the well-known playwright and author Michael Harding.

Harding captured the complete attention of the audience, as he shared some stories from his own life and reminded everyone about the significance of sharing their own stories and practising mindfulness in their lives.

There was an informative piece delivered by Anne Rizzo of Age Friendly Ireland (West), who spoke about how Older People’s Councils work, and provided positive examples of the work of OPCs around the country.

Caitriona Morgan, Galway City Council, Michael Harding Author, and Ciara Coy, Galway City Partnership.

Attendees were very interested to hear that World Health Organisation conferred on Ireland the title of the first Age Friendly Country in the world in 2019, and that statistics show that our children and grandchildren can look forward to a life expectancy of at least 100 years old.

Evelyn Fanning, HSE Health Promotion & Improvement, Community Healthcare West, shared information on the work of Galway City Alcohol Forum in raising awareness of alcohol related harm.

Members attending the Galway City Older Peoples Council Open Event

As part of this, an information session on Alcohol and Growing Older was delivered by Marion Rackard, Project Manager, HSE National Alcohol Programme, which highlighted the high levels of hazardous drinking among adults over 65, low risk alcohol guidelines and supports available.

She encouraged older people to be agents of change in helping to denormalise alcohol, and support the work of the Alcohol Forum in reducing alcohol harm.

An Garda Siochána stand, at the Galway City Older Peoples Council Open Event

Building on the theme of ‘wellbeing and participation’ at the event, attendees also had a moment to enjoy some relaxing chair yoga with Galway Sports Partnership and wonderful live music with Mike Stewart and Enda Dempsey.

Speaking about the event, co-organiser Ciara Coy of Galway City Partnership said: “We are delighted to have had such a wonderful turnout and to see so many people interested in an Older People’s Council in Galway city.

“The new OPC will be a key means of hearing the needs of older people in our city and we invite all those who are interested to come along to the Galway City Older People’s Executive AGM on Thursdays 15th September at 11am in the Harbour Hotel.”

Stalls at the event were hosted by the Gold Star Disability Initiative, Meals4Health, An Garda Síochána Crime Prevention, Galway Sports Partnership, Healthy Galway, Galway Contact, Domestic Violence Response, GRETB Community Education Service, Healthy Age Friendly Homes Programme, Galway City Libraries, HSE Community Healthcare West and Galway City Alcohol Forum.

To register to attend the AGM for Galway city’s Older People’s Executive in the Harbour Hotel please contact Ciara on 083 0234390 or ciara@gcp.ie.

Plans for major changes to traffic and public transport in Galway city

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September 12, 2022

Galway Daily Controversial plans to rename Galway City landmarks

Galway City Council will make a planning application for a major new road development in Galway city centre for public transport, cyclists and pedestrians.

The plans for the 6.7 km Cross-City Link (University Road to Dublin Road) in the city centre will be submitted to An Bord Pleanála and documents will be made available this Friday, 16 September.

The development will be on existing roads providing improved walking, cycling and bus infrastructure on the key access corridor, and will remove through traffic in the city centre.

Access for ‘destination’ traffic will be maintained, but re-routed in many locations to provide access to premises and car parks.

Loading for businesses along the proposed road development will also be maintained, but also altered and restricted to specific times and routes.

The city bus network routes will be changed to use the corridor, providing more frequent services with reliable journey times.

The BusConnects Galway: Cross-City Link (University Road to Dublin Road) scheme is part of the wider Galway Transport Strategy developed by Galway City Council, Galway County Council, and the National Transport Authority in 2016.

Galway City Council will make a Compulsory Purchase Order for the lands necessary for the scheme, and that order will be subject to confirmation by An Bord Pleanála.

Newspaper notices will be in local and national papers this Friday, 16 September 2022 and project documentation will then be available on the scheme website at www.crosscitylinkgalway.ie

Hard copy documents can be viewed in City Hall, from 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, from Wednesday 21 September to Friday 18 November 2022.

Submissions/observations can also be made on the An Bord Pleanála website.

Any enquiries relating to the application process should be directed to An Bord Pleanála (Tel. 01 8588100).

University of Galway SU partners with Hygiene Bank

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September 12, 2022

galway daily news galway university students union members launching hygiene bank — PICTURED (Left to Right): Barry Ó Siochrú, Joe Mee, Imogen O’Flaherty Falconer, and Sai Gujulla (University of Galway Students’ Union)

University of Galway Students’ Union has announced that it will be partnering with The Hygiene Bank Galway again this year.

The Students’ Union will be holding monthly donation drives asking students and staff to join the fight against hygiene poverty.

There will be a donation point in the Students’ Union office each month starting today where hygiene, personal care and household cleaning products can be left for those in need.

Last year the Union collected almost 200 kg of donations for the Bank and hope to collect even more this year.

Donated items will be distributed to The Hygiene Bank’s community partners in Galway which include COPE Galway, Galway Simon Community, Galway Traveller Movement and St Vincent de Paul among others.

They are asking for donations of shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, razors, shaving foam, deodorant, hairbrushes, hair ties, period products, nappies, baby wipes, toilet roll, headlice shampoo and laundry detergent.

“We are delighted to partner with The Hygiene Bank again this year to join the fight against hygiene poverty,” said Students’ Union President Sai Gujulla.

“The Hygiene Bank are an amazing movement who help those living in poverty access the basics items they need. Their work addresses a huge injustice that exists in our society.”

Students’ Union Vice President/Welfare and Equality Officer Imogen O’Flaherty Falconer added that hygiene poverty is a major issue in the current cost of living crisis.

“It can lead to people having to make impossible choices between buying food or keeping clean,” she said.

“Our monthly donation drives aim to help The Hygiene Bank to stop the social isolation that can result from hygiene poverty.”

Major renovation plans at Glenlo Abbey Hotel

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September 12, 2022

Galway Daily news Major renovation plans at Glenlo Abbey Hotel

Plans are in the works for a significant revamp of the Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate golf facilities, as well as adding a new restaurant.

Baswal Ltd is seeking planning permission to demolish the existing “outdated and unsuitable” driving range at the 5 star hotel outside Galway City.

In its place, the developer seeks to build a new single storey ‘Golf Academy’, which would include 30 driving range bays, and a high performance golf training facility.

It would also include changing facilities, a pro golf shop, a retail store, and a new restaurant for hotel residents and golfers.

A planning report submitted with the application states that the new Golf Academy is needed as the hotel has expanded over time, with the Golf Pavilion built in the 1990s gradually taken over by other hotel uses.

“Besides the obvious requirements to support the Estate as a 5 star golf destination hotel, the hotel currently has significant local membership to both the existing Golf Range and Golf Course.”

“Currently members visiting the facility have little or no changing facilities, very limited scope for purchasing necessary equipment relating to the golf activity, and need to access the main hotel restaurants/bars for refreshments.”

“It is also not ideal from a tourist/leisure experience perspective to mix such leisure trade with hotel residents within a 5 star setting.”

“It is also highly desirable from a hotel experience that guests could access an alternative more casual dining experience within the overall Estate during their stay.”

The existing car park for the driving range has 83 spaces, and it is intended that this will be extended to 96 spaces.

An Ecological Impact Assessment was prepared for this planning application to the council, which said that there would be no significant or residual impacts.

Galway County Council is due to make a decision on this planning application by October 16.

Three people rescued by lifeboat on Lough Derg

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September 12, 2022

Galway Daily news Three people rescued by lifeboat on Lough Derg — Three people rescued by lifeboat on Lough Derg. Photo: RNLI/Eleanor Hooker

Three people were rescud on Lough Derg over the weekend after their boat ran aground on rocks, one of whom suffered minor injuries.

The Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat launched on Sunday afternoon, around 3:25pm, after reports of a 35ft cruiser aground at Illaunmor.

After some initial difficulty in finding the boat, they made contact with the stranded cruiser at the southern end of Illaunmor shortly after 3:30pm.

As the lifeboat neared the cruiser, it was evident from the diving platform that someone on the casualty vessel had suffered an injury.

One person had gone out in the water in their bare feet after the cruiser got stuck on the rocks, suffering lacerations to their foot.

Once the RNLI volunteers were satisfied that the person had no other injuries, he was instructed to remain seated with his foot elevated.

At first, the lifeboat tried to tow the cruiser off the rocks, but it was stuck fast.

They then decided to bring all three back to Dromineer with them, and informed the cruiser company of their stranded boat.

Peter Kennedy, Deputy Launching Authority at Lough Derg RNLI advises boat users to, “keep to the navigation route on your charts and keep a constant lookout”.

Portiuncula Hospital protecting patients’ mealtimes

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September 12, 2022

Portiuncula Hospital is restarting an initiative that aims to ensure that patients get the most out of their mealtimes.

The protected mealtimes initiative sets fixed times for meals, during which time all non-essential activity on the ward will stop.

This is to prevent unnecessary interruptions to mealtimes and enables staff to assist patients with their meals.

“Please be assured that all essential and urgent care needs will be met,” the hospital said in a statement.

“Visiting is restricted unless prior arrangements is made with the nursing staff to assist with feeding.”

The programme is being reintroduced due to the importance of an uninterrupted ward environment, presentation, timing and nutritional content of food to patients’ recovery.

The protected mealtimes in question are breakfast (8.00 to 8.30), lunch (12.45 to 1.30) and tea (5.00 to 5.30).

This is one of a number of initiatives being rolled out in PUH to improve quality patient care.

For more information download the patient information leaflet available here.

Portiuncula Hospital also recently launched a mew dementia support initiative, providing families with information on support services, and more.

Inishbofin water supply may have been compromised weeks before Do Not Consume notice

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September 12, 2022

Galway Daily news overnight water outages

Drinking water on Inishbofin may have been contaminated by elevated levels of manganese almost a month before people were told not to drink it.

Irish Water issued a Do Not Consume notice for the Inishbofin Public Water Supply on September 3.

However, the utility and county council have said that, following investigations, that water quality may have been failing to meet regulatory standards since August 11.

Anyone who may have health concerns after consuming the public water supply from August 11 onwards should contact their GP for advice.

The elevated levels of manganese at Lough Fawna are likely due to extremely low water levels after a prolonged period of dry weather.

Drinking water will generally become unpalatable (discoloured with an unpleasant taste) at levels above 50 µg/l which will deter you from drinking it.

Tap water should not be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, or preparing uncooked food. It can, however, still be used for showering and bathing.

Tankered and bottled water will continue to be made available from the old pier, and will be replenished twice a week for as long as necessary.

As far as addressing the problem goes, Irish Water has said that a specialist contractor will be on site this week to components of the filtration process, which were compromised by the poor water quality.

Irish Water is also adjusting the treatment process at the plant, but ultimately it will require a sustained period of rain over several weeks to increase the lake levels, which will be necessary for raw water quality to improve.

Couple share struggle with spiraling rents, and moving repeatedly in RTE documentary

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September 12, 2022

A Polish couple living in Galway will share their story of constantly moving, and spiraling rents since they moved here five years ago in a new RTÉ documentary airing this evening.

‘Broke’ is a documentary on RTÉ One following people struggling during the cost of living crisis as they do their best to survive at a time of rising food, energy and housing bills.

Patrycja Cichocka and Ryszard Cichocki and their two boys moved to Galway in 2017. Since then they have had to move house five times, with their rent almost doubling from €850 a month to €1500 a month.

As renters on a low wage, they worry about the future should they have to move again, as prices continue to rise in Galway.

Their eldest son Cyprian has just finished college, and is desperately seeking accommodation in Galway city with some friends.

“This is a big frustration, a big pressure to live in someone’s house,” Ryszard says of their rental situation.

“You pay the rent but you never know when the person will call you and give you a couple of months and you have to change house.”

“Now we still feel the pressure, we have a really good landlord but you never know….It’s impossible to buy a house for me and my family. We don’t exist for banks…because I don’t have savings.”

Patrycja adds that she lives in constant fear, because the cost of rent keeps going up.

“I feel like homelessness is something really visible and really close to my family. So that’s a big fear. If you do not have a place to be and treat as your own home.”

Others who will feature on the documentary include a father of three security guard, worried that the extra shifts he has to pick up are affecting his family life.

A Donegal couple are trying to open a food truck, after closing their dream restaurant because of rising heating, food and petrol costs put them at risk of serious debt.

A carer for adults with disabilities is taking on extra work, including overnight weekend shifts, to keep up with the bills after seeing the cost of her daily commute spiral in recent months.

Find out more about all of these all too common stories of people struggling in the current crisis on ‘Broke’, airing on RTÉ One at 9:35pm on Monday, September 12.

Unique music festival to travel to Portumna this week

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September 11, 2022