NUIG launches new arts management course

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August 18, 2022

Galway Daily courts Man charged in connection

A man has appeared before Galway District Court following the alleged assault in Mervue on Tuesday night.

Gardaí arrested a man in his late 20s following the assault which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The man was then charged and appeared before Galway District Court on Wednesday.

The victim of the assault, a man aged in his 40s, is continuing to receive treatment at Galway University Hospital.

N17 Tuam bypass to close for emergency repairs after recent crash

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August 18, 2022

The N17 bypass will be closed tonight for a period as emergency repairs are carried out to the wire rope barrier.

The barrier was damaged in a recent road traffic collision.

There will be a full closure of the NB carriageway at 9pm, and the road is expected to reopen again by 10pm.

Traffic will be diverted through Tuam while the repair works are being carried out.

Syndicate of street cleaners collects €5.5 million lotto jackpot!

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August 17, 2022

Galway Daily news Lotto syndicate member almost left before €5.5m jackpot win — Newsagents celebrate news of €5.5 million Lotto jackpot ticket sale which was won by ten city council street cleaners. From left, Stephen Dowling, Ina Shearer, Alan Shearer, Conor Donoughue, National Lottery, Billy Shearer, shop owner, Liam Shearer, Leah Purcell, Denise Purcell, Karen Shearer and Maureen Connnell. Pic Iain McDonald / Mac Innes Photography

A group of Galway City Council street cleaners were at Lottery HQ in Dublin on Wednesday to collect their lotto jackpot prize worth €5,541,001.

The ten-man syndicate was formed almost twenty-five years ago, with all numbers chosen for the draw individual to each member.

The winning ticket was sold in Newspoint newsagent, Unit 25, Galway Shopping Centre, on the Headford Road on Sunday 31 of July.

One syndicate member spoke of how they had to keep the belief going after so many years.

“The lads thought about changing the numbers at one stage, but decided against making any changes,” he said.

“Just last Christmas, one member mentioned that he was going to leave the syndicate, but he was persuaded to stay on and was told it was only the price of a pint and a newspaper.

“Luckily, he stayed as the syndicate winning numbers appeared on the August 3rd Lottery draw.

“Someone said that we ‘cleaned-up’ and we did, but us lads clean up every day by ensuring the streets and parks in Galway city are spotless.”

Another member said the group is proud of their city, and unlike the ‘magnificent seven’ -these ‘magnificent ten’ can now all ride off into the sunset with their lottery win secured.

As there was no winner of the Lotto jackpot on Saturday 13th of August, Wednesday’s Lotto jackpot rolls towards an estimated €3 million.

As there was no winner Tuesday’s (16 August) EuroMillions Jackpot, Friday’s jackpot is set to roll to an estimated €75 Million.

Special event in Carna to commemorate the Connemara Patch in Minnesota

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August 17, 2022

A special event will take place in Carna this weekend to commemorate the Connemara Patch, the area in St. Paul in Minnestota which was home to many emigrants who left Connemara at the end of the 19^th Century.

The event will take place at Ionad Cuimhneacháin na nImirceach, The Emigrant Commemorative Centre, in Carna at 7pm on Saturday 20 August and will be broadcast live on the Diaspora na Gaeltachta Facebook page.

Over the years, the Irish community in the Connemara Patch gradually left the area – however some of their descendants remained until the 1950s when many buildings were demolished to make way for the great railroad building project being undertaken in the United States at the time.

Some descendants of the Connemara Patch Irish attended a conference in the Emigrant Centre in Carna in 2019, and it was there that the idea for a commemoration of the Connemara Patch was conceived.

On Saturday evening, the Connemara Patch will be remembered simultaneously in St Paul and in Carna.

Údarás na Gaeltachta are supporting the event which highlights the importance of the Gaeltacht Diaspora and the bond between those who stayed in Ireland and those who left.

Age friendly adustments made to seating in Salthill

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August 17, 2022

galway daily news community groups sitting in salthill

Mayor of Galway City Cllr Clodagh Higgins has met with a number of local community groups to test out the new Age Friendly seating located adjacent to Ladies Beach in Salthill.

Age Friendly Galway worked in collaboration with Galway City Council to make subtle changes to the upgrade works recently carried out in Salthill.

The height of the seating was adjusted, arm rests were installed to give additional support and the angle of the backrest was tilted to ensure the experience is comfortable for all.

The location is supported by public toilets, public parking and provides a fantastic view across the bay.

Galway City Council is inviting suggestions of where else may require seating improvements or new seating to ‘ensure Galway is a great city to grow old in’.

“I’m delighted to be in a position to launch this project, particularly as the project was the result of such close cooperation and design across Galway City Council,” said Mayor Higgins.

“The project adds hugely to the attractiveness and suitability of the public realm in the heart of our city.”

Local TD calls for crucial protections for rural communities

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August 17, 2022

galway daily news claire kerrane at dáil child maintenance

A local TD has called on the Government to bring forward crucial protections for rural communities.

The call from Roscommon-Galway TD Claire Kerrane follows the publication of the Department of Rural and Community Development’s annual report.

Deputy Kerrane said that while there has been increased funding from the Department, the report underlines several areas where important measures must be put in place to adequately support rural areas.

She welcomed the investment in services and schemes, but said that there is an absence of key measures which would ‘underpin the revitalisation’ of rural communities.

“For example, while it is positive that Minister Humphreys has launched working hubs in communities across the state, the legislation to ensure those living in rural areas have the right to use these facilities and to work remotely remains absent,” said Deputy Kerrane.

“Similarly, although the report discusses the need to support our Islands, we are still waiting for the Minister to launch her long-awaited Islands Strategy.”

The Sinn Féin TD said that the contents of this strategy are important for setting out exactly how the government intends to provide this support to Island communities over the next decade.

“I know from engagement with organisations like Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann, and those living in island communities, that the detail of the strategy really matters. So far, we are seeing little detail on what the strategy will entail.

“As well as this, the ‘Our Rural Future’ strategy clearly sets out intentions to develop a ‘rural-proofing’ model, to ensure the needs of rural communities are considered in the development of government policies.”

Music and storytelling events for older people to be held in Galway city

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August 17, 2022

Galway Daily news grant for music groups

A travelling roadshow offering older people music and storytelling sessions will be in Galway later this month, with two events organised in the city.

Musician Ger Wolfe will lead the free Road of Life events as part of a mini tour of eight counties, incorporating literature and proverbs linked to older age.

Older people will have an opportunity to participate in the sessions through singing and sharing stories that stir people’s memories and imagination.

The first event will take place in Westside Resource Centre on Wednesday 24 August from 3 to 5pm, while the second will be in Ballybane Community Resource Centre on Tuesday 30 August from 3 to 5pm.

The sessions will incorporate a taster songwriting and composition section, aiming to work on ‘sketches of songs’ that might be inspired by local proverbs, expressions or stories.

Participants are encouraged to bring along their own instruments if they wish, but no musical experience is required.

This is a free event however, booking is essential as spaces are limited.

The roadshow is part of a partnership programme between Age Friendly Ireland and Creative Ireland to support health and wellbeing in older age, and is supported by Galway City Council.

For more information or to book your space please contact Healthy Galway City Coordinator Aisling Colreavy (Tel: 085 821 7547 / email: aisling.colreavy@galwaycity.ie).

Tributes paid on passing Galway rugby titan Don Crowley

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August 17, 2022

Galway Daily sport Tributes paid on passing Galway rugby titan Don Crowley — The late Don Crowley. Photo: Connacht Rugby

Tributes are being paid today to Don Crowley, a titan of rugby in Galway and beyond, who passed away peacefully this week.

Crowley, a stalwart of rugby for Galway and Connacht, passed away on Tuesday August 16 in the care of his family.

Crowley had a lifelong connection with Galwegians RFC and Connacht, with the Galway City serving both on and off the pitch.

Educated at The Bish, while in school he won a Connacht Senior Schools Club medal and captained Connacht Schools XV.

He kept up with rugby when he went into higher education, competing in the Senior League with University College Galway.

Don Crowley started his lifelong association with Galwegians RFC while young also, winning a Junior League medal with the club.

During a distinguished administrative career after hanging up his boots, he served as Galwegians RFC President for 1976/77, during their famed tour of Canada.

After that, he served as the Honour Secretary of the Connacht Branch from 1981 to 1989, and was elected Connacht Rugby President for the 1993/94 season.

With the IRFU he was first elected as a delegate to the IRFU Committee in 1987/88 and sat on a range of various sub-committees.

In 2002/03 he was elected to the highest office in Irish Rugby by becoming President of the IRFU.

Quoted at the time he said, “I am very proud on a personal level and also for my club Galwegians and the Connacht Branch. After my very enjoyable playing career, I was very happy to serve the game at club, provincial and National level.”

This year, Galwegians held a celebratory dinner in his honour, attended by hundreds of friends and colleagues who paid tribute to him.

“It would also prove to be a momentous season, as the fate of Connacht rugby and its funding was under serious threat from the IRFU at the time,” a statement from Galwegians RFC said today.

“However under Don’s Presidency and stewardship, and with strong public backing from the grassroots rugby community, the province’s professional status was preserved.”

Galwegians President Frank Kinneen said, “Don Crowley ..our incredible statesman, life-long member of Galwegians and an absolute gentleman. May he rest in peace.”

A statement from Connacht Rugby said that the club “wishes to express our heartfelt sympathies to the friends and family of Don Crowley, and to everyone at Galwegians RFC who knew and worked with him,”

Gas demand up 10% in July this year with public restrictions ended

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August 17, 2022

Galway Daily news Gas demand up 10% in July this year with public restrictions ended

The demand for gas in July was ten percent higher than the same month last year in Ireland, when COVID restrictions were in place.

Despite the warmer weather, last month also saw a 5 percent increase in gas consumption compared with June.

Gas Networks Ireland said that there was a significant increase in gas demand for electricity generation last month compared with June, despite consumption falling significantly in the consumer, construction, and education sectors.

Much of the year on year growth is due to increased demand at airports (+95%), leisure/sport arenas (+39%), retail (+35%) and hotels (+20%), sectors which were affected by public health restrictions last year.

Gas generated 62 percent of Ireland’s electricity in July, up 12 percent on June, but down 3 percent when compared to July last year.

Gas Networks Ireland’s Head of Regulatory Affairs Brian Mullins said, “July wasn’t a very windy month, so it’s not surprising to see the amount of electricity generated by both gas and coal increase and the amount generated by wind energy fall.”

Even though the amount of electricity generated by wind energy in July fell by 28 percent month-on-month, dropping to 20 percent, it was still up 52 percent compared to July 2021.

“Being able to harness wind energy when it is available and back it up with the flexibility and reliability of gas when it’s not available, provides a secure and complete energy system for the people of Ireland,” Brian Mullins added.

Coal contributed 11 percent of Ireland’s electricity generation last month, more than double its usage in June.

Wind peaked at 65 percent during the month, but given its variable nature also fell to very low levels of electricity generation at times.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has sparked concerns of an energy crisis in Ireland and across Europe, as gas supplies from Russia have been steadily choked off.

Miss Galway rolls up her sleeves for beach cleanup

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August 17, 2022

Galway Daily news Miss Galway rolls up her sleeves for beach cleanup — Miss Galway Ava Mathews, pictured with Rita O'Malley and Marty Nix of the Loghrea Tidy Towns Committee at Lough Rea at the nationwide beach and waterways clean-up last year. Pic: Miss Ireland Org

Miss Galway Ava Mathews rolled up her sleeves to help clean up rubbish from the shores of Lough Rea this month.

The 37 finalists for Miss Ireland 2022 all took part in a coordinated big beach clean-up across the country from August 12 – 14.

Thousands have flocked to our beaches and waterways during the recent warm weather but the glorious sunshine also brought ‘rubbish weather’ as many beaches and waterways across Ireland were left in dire conditions by sun seekers leaving their rubbish behind.

The 21 year old Miss Galway Ava Mathews, who hails from Loughrea, gathered her friends and family to clean the shores of the town’s namesake lake.

Imelda mathews, Paidraig O’ Reilly, Rita O’ Malley, Miss Galway Ava Mathews, Mary Nix, Zara Mathews and Brian Mathews at Lough Rea. Picture: Miss Ireland Org

The big clean-up is one of the challenges that finalists of Miss Ireland 2022 are being tasked with in a challenging competitive process for this, the 75th Diamond Jubilee of the competition.

Their skills are also tested in debating, public speaking, talent, sports, modelling, social media and each finalist is tasked with raising much-needed awareness and funds for their chosen charities.

The Diamond Jubilee Miss Ireland Final will take place this week, August 18 – 19 at the Royal Theatre Castlebar, with 1,500 people expected to attend.

The headline sponsor for Miss Ireland 2022 is TanOrganic, an organic self-tanning brand.

Noelle O’Connor, Creator and Founder of TanOrganic said, “This nationwide beach clean-up is another step towards a cleaner planet and we applaud all of the Miss Ireland finalists for taking on this challenge with such energy and passion”

Hurling Club Championship – Round 2 Fixtures

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August 17, 2022

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

Round 2 of the Senior & Intermediate Hurling Club Championships are taking place this weekend, with fixtures and ticketing details confirmed.

From Friday to Sunday, there will be a total of seven Intermediate, six Senior B, and six Senior A games taking place.

Match tickets can be purchased in advance of the game online for the reduced price of €10.

If you’re buying your tickets at the gate they will cost €15, while U16s go free and do not need a ticket.

Intermediate Hurling Championship

Friday, August 19

Meelick-Eyrecourt v Carnmore, Duggan Park, 7pm, purchase match tickets here.

Saturday, August 20

Ballinderreen v Sylane, Pearse Stadium, 5pm, purchase match tickets here.
Abbeyknockmoy v Castlegar, Duggan Park, 6:45pm, purchase match tickets here.

Sunday, August 21

An Spidéal v Turloughmore, Pearse Stadium, 12pm, purchase match tickets here.
Killimor v Kiltormer, Duggan Park, 1:45pm, purchase match tickets here.
Rahoon-Newcastle, Pearse Stadium, 1:45pm, purchase match tickets here.
Craughwell v Kilbeacanty, Kinvara, 4pm, purchase match tickets here.

Senior B Hurling Championship

Friday, August 19

Mullagh v Liam Mellows, Kenny Park, 7pm, purchase match tickets here.

Saturday, August 20

Ardrahan v Portumna, Gort, 5pm, purchase match tickets here.
Ahascragh/Fohenagh v Padraig Pearses, Duggan Park, 5pm, purchase match tickets here.
Moycullen v Beagh, Pearse Stadium, 6:45pm, purchase match tickets here.
Oranmore-Maree v Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry, Gort, 6:45pm, purchase match tickets here.

Sunday, August 21

Kilnadeema-Leitrim v St Mary’s Athenry, Loughrea, 2:30pm, purchase match tickets here.

Senior A Hurling Championship

Saturday, August 20

Craughwell v Loughrea, Kenny Park, 5pm, purchase match tickets here.
Turloughmore v Clarinbridge, Kenny Park, 6:45pm, purchase match tickets here.

Sunday, August 21

Killimordaly v St Thomas, Duggan Park, 12pm, purchase match tickets here.
Cappataggle v Kilconieron, Loughrea, 1pm, purchase match tickets here.
Tommy Larkins v Gort, Kenny Park, 4pm, purchase match tickets here.
Sarsfields v Castlegar, Kenny Park, 5:45pm, purchase match tickets here.

Report highlights Gort Boil Water Notice among “disappointing trend”

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August 16, 2022

Galway Daily news Kinvara Boil Water Notice

The latest quarterly report from the Water Advisory Body highlighted the long lasting Boil Water Notice in Gort as part of disappointing trend in 2022.

The WAB is a state body, comprising five members, which exists to report on Irish Water’s performance and increase public confidence.

It’s report for the second quarter of this year highlighted the large number of long lasting boil water notices.

Paul McGowan, chairperson of the board, said that it was a “disappointing trend” that 20 of the 21 notices in place at the end of the first quarter of this year were long-term.

“Under normal circumstances the WAB expects that no consumer should be on a long-term
boil water notice”.

A Boil Water Notice is considered long-term if it has been in place for more than 30 days.

The Gort Notice, which affected 2,776 people, was in effect for almost five months, from the start of February into late June.

A long-term notice means that the issue with the water treatment plant could not be fixed quickly, and required significant investment from Irish Water, the report highlights.

Other noteworthy findings in the report include 1,607 lead service connections replaced in Q1 of this year, out of a total target of 10,000 for 2022.

However, Irish Water has said that with the increased budget this year, it still expects to exceed that target by the end of the year.

It also found that Irish Water responded to 97.89% of domestic and 93.75%
of non-domestic complaints within five working days, with either a resolution or an outline plan of the proposed resolution.

This is the lowest five-day response rate since Irish Water started reporting against this metric in 2018.

A targeted survey by the Water Advisory Body also found that there were “confused lines of communication” between Irish Water and customers when there are issues with the water supply.

Paul McGowan concluded by saying that it was disappointing to see a decline in performance in these two areas.

“Customer service is at the core of utility delivery, and timely, effective complaints management is an important element of customer service.”

“The WAB is disappointed to observe this level of performance in an area it would reasonably expect to see improvement year-on-year as it beds in its customer complaints processes.”

Planning refused for 25 hectare solar farm development

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August 16, 2022

Galway Daily news perovskite solar panels

Planning permission has been refused for a 25ha expansion of an approved solar farm between Claregalway and Athenry, as there is already planning in place for the site.

Renewable Energy Systems Ltd sought approval for a solar energy development on land at Ballymoneen/Grange East.

This would operate as an extension of the 140ha Ballymoneen Solar Farm, for which they which RES received planning permission in January of 2021.

The site comprises five fields bounded by dry stone walls, fences, and hedgerows, approximately 0.5km east of Cregmore Park Golf Club.

In refusing planning permission, the County Council said that it would contravene the conditions attached to the approval of the larger 140ha Ballymoneen Solar Farm.

The plans would contravene Condition No. 1 of that approval, which required that the plans be carried out in their entirety as submitted, “as it proposes development of solar panels in the area of the energy storage facility previously approved under Pl. Ref: 20/961.”

“Therefore the development contravene materially a condition attached to an existing permission for development,” the decision said.

The second reason for refusing to approve the development was that the council was not satisfied that the site could be adequately accessed, or surface water disposed of properly.

Galway’s Tómas Farthing named Minor Football Player of the Year

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August 16, 2022

Galway Daily sport Galway's Tómas Farthing named Minor Football Player of the Year

Galway’s Tomás Farthing has been named Player of the Year in the Electric Ireland GAA Minor Stars Awards today.

The Spiddal man was the heart of Galway defence on their path to the All-Ireland title this year.

A total of six Galway players have been selected for the Minor Star Football Team of the Year for this year.

The Galway Minors won the All-Ireland Championship this year, claiming the Tom Markham Cup with a 0-15 to 0-09 victory over Mayo last month.

Along with Tomás Farthing on the back line, the awards also recognised keeper Kyle Gilmore, half-back Cillian Trayers, joint Galway GAA captain John Longergan at midfield, as well as forwards Éanna Monaghan and Colm Costello.

Uachtarán CLG Larry McCarthy said “I am delighted to, once again, have the opportunity to extend my congratulations to the Electric Ireland GAA Minor Football Team of the Year,”

He added that there is a “special mention for Tomás Farthing, the well-deserved recipient of the Electric Ireland GAA Minor Football Player of the Year.”

“Fans turned out in large numbers to support our Minor players this season and we were fortunate to see the skills of these outstanding players.”

“I look forward to watching the next chapter of their playing careers,” Larry McCarthy added.

Along with the six Galway boys on the Team of the Year, Mayo, have four players represented. Ulster finalists, Derry have two representatives while Tyrone, Kerry and Dublin each have one player on this year’s team.

Sarah Sharkey of Electric Ireland said “Each member of the team has made a major contribution to making this year’s championship one of the most exciting and unpredictable in recent memory.”

“We would especially like to congratulate Tomás Farthing, this year’s Electric Ireland GAA Minor Star Football Player of the Year.”

She added that he displayed, “great maturity in Galway’s defence this year and was incredible as Galway won the 2022 Electric Ireland GAA Minor Football Championship”.

The full Minor Star Football Team of the Year is:

1. Kyle Gilmore (Galway and Cortoon Shamrocks)

2. Tomás Farthing (Galway and An Spidéal)

3. Ben Hughes (Tyrone and Donaghmore)

4. Rio Mortimer (Mayo and Claremorris)

5. Paul Gilmore (Mayo and Claremorris)

6. Cillian Trayers (Galway and Claregalway)

7. Fionn Murphy (Kerry and Rathmore)

8. Ruairí Forbes (Derry and Ballinderry Shamrocks)

9. Jack Lonergan (Galway and Claregalway)

10. Johnny McGuckian (Derry and Glen)

11. Éanna Monaghan (Galway and Claregalway)

12. Diarmuid Duffy (Mayo and Ballinrobe)

13. Joe Quigley (Dublin and Kilmacud Crokes)

14. Ronan Clarke (Mayo and Moy Davitts)

15. Colm Costello (Galway and Dunmore MacHales)

One killed and four injured following car crash in the west

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August 16, 2022

One person was killed and another four injured in a two car crash in the west of Ireland on Monday evening, and Gardaí are appealing for witnesses.

Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of a crash on the N17 at Cloonturk, Kilkelly, Co. Mayo at 5:50pm on Monday.

Three women and two juveniles were taken to Mayo University Hospital to be treated for their injuries.

One of those injured, a woman in her 90s has since passed away.

Investigating Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact them.

Any road users who were travelling in the area at the time with camera (including dash cam) footage, are asked to make this available to Gardaí.

Anyone with information can contact Claremorris Garda Station on 094 937 2080, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.

Almost 60 people on trolleys at UHG today

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August 16, 2022

Galway Daily news 67 people on trolleys at UHG

UHG is the most overcrowded hospital in the country again today, with almost 60 patients waiting on trolleys.

Figures from the INMO’s Trolley/Ward Watch show 55 patients on trolleys in the emergency department today, and another four in the wards.

At Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe there are a further three people without beds, two in the ED and one in the wards.

Nationwide there are a total of 470 people admitted to Irish hospitals who are without a bed today.

The worst affected after University Hospital Galway are Cork UH (49), UH Limerick (46), and Sligo University Hospital (35).

The number of COVID-19 patients at UHG has also declined in recent days, from a peak of around 50, down to 29 on Monday evening.

At Portiuncula there are six confirmed COVID-19 cases, and just one of these patients is in the ICU at each hospital.

Water outages in parts of north Galway today

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August 16, 2022

Galway Daily news Moycullen water outage

Many homes and businesses in north Galway will be without water today as essential repair works are being carried out.

The repairs will take until 7pm to complete, affecting Kilconly West, Ballyfruit, Garraun, Logawannia, Annaghdown, Corrandulla and the surrounding areas.

Traffic management will be in place to facilitate the works but local and emergency traffic will be maintained at all times.

Irish Water said that it typically takes two to three hours following restoration time for normal supply to be fully restored to all areas

Speaking about the works, Rónan Daly of Irish Water, said, that they understand that this type of work can be inconvenient.

“Working in partnership with Galway County Council, we will make every effort to minimise the disruption that these necessary works may cause,” he said.

“Customers may experience some temporary discolouration of water following the works and occasionally issues such as internal airlocks may arise.

“For advice on clearing discolouration and airlocks, visit the Supply Issues Following an Outage page of our website.”

Vulnerable customers who have registered with Irish Water receive direct communications from us for planned and unplanned outages lasting more than four hours.

The Irish Water customer care helpline is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278 and customers can also contact us on Twitter @IWCare with any queries.

For updates, please visit the Supply and Service Updates section of the Irish Water website.

Students looking for rooms in Galway urged to exercise caution

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August 16, 2022

galway daily news students union 2022 — PICTURED (Left to Right): Imogen O’Flaherty Falconer, Joe Mee, Sai Gujulla and Barry Ó Siochrú (NUI Galway Students’ Union)

NUI Galway students looking for accommodation for the upcoming academic year have been urged to exercise caution before committing to a private residence this year.

The University’s Students’ Union said that before rushing into signing a contract, it is extremely important to make sure the property fits the needs of all tenants and to look out for rental scams.

Despite the accommodation crisis, the Students’ Union said that students should not panic as there are still some rooms available.

They advised people to keep a close eye on all accommodation websites, especially nuigstudentpad.ie.

Imogen O’Flaherty Falconer, the Students’ Union Vice-President/Welfare and Equality Officer, said that finding accommodation can be extremely stressful, and that people tend to rush into it.

“It is paramount that you follow these guidelines to avoid scams and ensure that the house you live in will be sustainable for you and your friends,” said Imogen.

“Never rush into getting accommodation, be cautious and insist on receipts and any repairs where necessary.

“This will be where you stay for at least nine months so make sure you have all the necessities before making any commitments. Students still seeking accommodation should check www.nuigstudentpad.ie.”

Some handy tips:

Be aware of the following rental scams: Scammer claims to be out of the country so can’t show you the property but requests a deposit. Scammer is living at the property, and shows a number of people around. They get a deposit from several people and then flee with the cash. The transaction appears to have gone smoothly until the renter finds that the keys don’t work and the landlord has disappeared.
Take your time when viewing a property. Ensure all the necessities are there e.g. washing machine, furnishings etc. Check that all gas and electrical appliances are in good working order.
Take photos of the property and make sure to highlight any damages already there e.g. Cigarette burns, carpet stains, etc.
If there are any repairs to be made in the property, be sure to get it in writing from the landlord or agency that these problems will be rectified before handing over your deposit.
Avoid paying the deposit in cash and ensure you get a receipt for any moneys exchanged. You are legally entitled to a receipt so make sure to insist on one.
Request a viewing prior to the move in date to ensure that all outstanding issues have been rectified.
Ensure the house is well ventilated and that heating sources are identified prior to signing a contract/lease.
Insist that a building energy rating (BER) certificate is provided prior to signing the contract. This will help you know how cold the house is likely to get and will give you an idea of the cost for heating.
Ensure you are clear on the duration of the tenancy. If you sign a lease and leave early you may be liable to pay outstanding rent even though you are no longer living there. Check what the situation is in the event of a lockdown.
Make sure it’s clearly outlined in your lease which utility bills you must pay.
Take out contents insurance as the landlord’s policy will not cover your personal possessions.
For online learning check what the broadband speeds and deals are in the neighbourhood to make sure you will be well-connected.

Family raises over €11,000 for breast cancer care and research

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August 16, 2022