Croí Night Run to return to Salthill for first time in three years

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August 12, 2022

Galway Daily business Galway house prices increase 2.1%

Record high rents in Galway City have been criticised as failure of the government to manage the housing market.

The latest Daft.ie report found that rents in Galway County have increased 12.4% in the past year, with things in worse in the city, which has seen a 16.4% year on year rent increase.

Former city councillor Mark Lohan of Sinn Féin said that people in Galway deserve to have “security of tenure”, and the ability to secure decent housing.

Mr Lohan criticised deficiencies in the Housing For All Plan, which he said has “not even begun to address” the housing crisis.

He was also critical of a decision by the city council to vote against zoning land at the Cappagh Road for residential usage.

“Both occurrences, this past week, just scream out ineptness and miserable ability. They provide no hope for thousands of our citizens facing evictions, couch surfing or trapped in substandard circumstances.”

“Every Galway citizen deserves to have security of tenure, deserves to be able to rent or buy depending on their income and deserves to have the opportunity to have a minimum standard of housing that is decent, safe, and secure.”

He added that an increase in the construction of social, affordable, and private homes is needed to address the housing crisis.

In Galway city, the average rent now stands at €1,663, while elsewhere in the county it is €1,184.

The report shows that one-bedroom apartments in the city are on average €1,110, and four-bedroom houses are €1,923 per month.

For a single bedroom in a shared house in the city, people can expect to pay €588, while a double bedroom will set them back €633.

Water restrictions imposed on two Galway areas

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August 12, 2022

Galway Daily news Ballyconneelly water outages

Overnight water restrictions have been imposed on two Galway water supplies due to high demand and low reservoir levels.

Night time restrictions are being imposed on the Carna/Kilkieran and Roundstone to ensure a daytime water supply.

The restrictions will be in place from between 11pm and 7am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, August 12 – 14.

As the dry weather continues so too does the high level of domestic, commercial and agricultural demand for treating drinking water in those areas.

The restrictions are being imposed by Irish Water in order to allow reservoir levels in the affected areas to recover.

Irish Water’s Ronan Daly explained that demand on the Carna/Kilkieran and Roundstone networks remains high.

“Irish Water understands the inconvenience the restrictions will cause but it is necessary to maintain reservoir levels and ensure a sufficient water supply to homes and businesses during normal working hours.”

“We are working with Galway County Council to lift the nighttime restrictions as soon as possible but in the meantime, we are appealing to customers to be mindful of how they use their water at home.”

“Do not run taps needlessly, take showers instead of baths and postpone using dishwashers and washing machines where possible.”

Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat Station looking for new shore crew

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August 12, 2022

Galway Daily news Lough Derg RNLI helps family on boat run aground at night — Photo: RNLI/Eleanor Hooker

The Lough Derg RNLI station is seeking to recruit new volunteer shore crew to join their lifesaving operation.

The station is looking for volunteers to take up the roles of Deputy Launching Authority, Inshore Lifeboat Mechanic and Tractor Driver.

Shore crew have a central role in securing the safety of the lifeboat and the men and women launching their craft to rescue those in peril on the water.

They ensure the successful and smooth operations of the RNLI’s lifesaving work within the station.

The role of Deputy Launching Authority is central to operations within all RNLI lifeboat stations, as this volunteer initiates the launch of the lifeboat when requested by the Coast Guard.

Once the decision to launch is made, crew pagers are activated and both lifeboat crew and shore crew immediately travel to the station to attend to the call out.

The Inshore Lifeboat Mechanic works alongside the current Station Mechanic to maintain all Search and Rescue equipment, the boats, other vehicles, and personal lifesaving equipment.

To enable the mechanic to fulfil his/her role, the RNLI provides all training and support up to a competence level through the charity’s Competency Based Training.

A new parts of operations on Lough Derg will be the operation of a Tractor & Trailer to conduct haul outs as part of the planned maintenance programme.

The role of the Tractor Driver is to take charge of the launch vehicle and rig during the launch and recovery of the Inshore Lifeboat.

For this position, the volunteer will maintain their competence through the RNLI’s Competency Based Training.

More details and application forms for the role of Deputy Launching Authority, the Inshore Lifeboat Mechanic, and the Tractor Driver can be found at the links provided.

The Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat Station, located at Dromineer, is responsible for protecting people on the water, in a lake that sees a lot of boat traffic from Galway, Tipperary, and Clare.

Football Club Championship: Weekend fixtures and livestreaming

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August 12, 2022

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

Galway GAA have confirmed the fixtures for the senior and intermediate football club championship this weekend.

Ticketing details for this weekend’s games, and the four which will be livestreamed for those who can’t attend in person, have also been confirmed.

Fixtures & Tickets

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 €10, while U16s go free and do not need a ticket.

Senior Football Championship

Friday, August 12:

Bearna v St James, Pearse Stadium, 7.30 PM, purchase tickets here

Saturday, August 13:

An Spidéal v Tuam Stars, Kenny Park, 2 PM, purchase tickets here

Milltown v St Michael’s, Kenny Park, 3.45PM, purchase tickets here

An Cheathrú Rua v Mountbellew/Moylough, Pearse Stadium, 4.30 PM, purchase tickets here

Claregalway v Caherlistrane, Tuam Stadium, 5.15PM purchase tickets here

Naomh Anna, Leitir Móir v Corofin, Pearse Stadium, 6.15 PM, purchase tickets here

Annaghdown v Salthill-Knocknacarra, Tuam Stadium, 7 PM, purchase tickets here

Sunday, August 14:

Monivea-Abbey v Killannin, Pearse Stadium, 2PM, purchase tickets here

Oughterard v Maigh Cuilinn, Pearse Stadium, 3.45PM, purchase tickets here

Intermediate Football Championship

Friday, August 12:

Maigh Cuilinn v Corofin, Kenny Park, 7.30PM purchase tickets here

Kilkerrrin-Clonberne v Headford, Tuam Stadium, 7.30PM purchase tickets here

Saturday, August 13:

Kilconly v St Gabriel’s, Corofin, 2 PM, purchase tickets here

Oileáin Árann v Killererin, The Priarie, 3PM, purchase tickets here

Sunday, August 14:

St Brendans v Caltra, Duggan Park, 12 PM, purchase tickets here

Oranmore-Maree v Mícheál Breathnach, Moycullen, 1PM, purchase tickets here

Dunmore McHales v Williamstown, Tuam Stadium, 4PM, purchase tickets here

Cortoon Shamrocks v Glenamaddy, Tuam Stadium, 5.45PM, purchase tickets here

Livestreaming

There will be four games in the Senior Championship livestreamed online this weekend, two on Saturday and two on Sunday.

A day pass, allowing you to watch both games taking place that day, costs €10, while a season pass costs €120. Both can be purchased online here.

Season pass holders have access to the games for 1 year, day pass holders for 7 days.

Saturday, August 13

An Spidéal v Tuam Stars, 2pm
Milltown v St. Michael’s, 3:45pm

Sunday, August 14

Maigh Cuilinn v Oughterard, 2pm
Killannin v Monivea Abbey, 3:45pm

NPWS makes public appeal over high fire risk

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August 12, 2022

Galway Daily news NPWS makes public appeal of high fire risk

The National Parks and Wildlife Service is appealing for people to be extremely cautious of the risk posed by fires during this heatwave.

The NPWS has issued a reminder that it is to light any fire likely to cause vegetation to burn within 1.6km of a nature reserve, and that barbeques are strictly forbidden.

Vehicles must not be parked at site entrances or impede emergency vehicle access, and may be towed away if causing an obstruction.

Minister of State Malcolm Noonan said “The message is simple – be careful. Don’t light fires or barbecues, keep access roads clear for emergency services, and if you’re camping, let someone know where you’ll be.”

“There is a high risk of fire right now. Be vigilant and keep yourself and the wild places we all love safe.”

A status yellow weather warning for high temperatures for Galway and all of Ireland will be in effect from midday Friday until Sunday morning.

The Department of Agriculture has also issued a status orange Forest Fire Warning until next Tuesday due to the hot and dry conditions.

Fires are particularly destructive in spring and summer as it is prime season for nesting birds, breeding mammals and the regeneration of growth.

In order to reduce the incidence of wildfires, Conservation Rangers and other NPWS staff will be monitoring and patrolling the network of sites over the coming days and remain in close liaison with the Gardaí and the Fire Service.

The NPWS will provide aerial surveillance, involving NPWS staff monitoring from helicopters, at some of the National Parks in the coming days.

Additional funding announced for Gaelic Games Programme in West

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August 12, 2022

A three-year grant worth over €380,000 has been allocated to the Connacht GAA Council to continue to manage the Gaelic Games Programme in schools across Connemara.

The allocation is an increase of €34,747 on that which was announced in 2019 for the Galway and Tuar Mhic Éadaigh Gaeltacht.

Under the programme, instruction in football, hurling and handball skills will be provided through Irish in up to 47 schools for the next three years.

It is estimated that up to 612 school pupils will benefit from the programme administered by the Department in collaboration with Connacht Council since 2005.

Minister of State Jack Chambers, who announced the funding in Galway today said that the trainers employed under the Gaelic Games Programme are doing great work to the benefit of the Irish language and the Gaeltacht community.

He said that with the announcement of this support, another practical step forward has been taken which will benefit both the policy for Gaeltacht education and the language planning process.

“It is also an indication of the partnership that has been going on for many years between my Department and the Connacht Council,” said Minister Chambers.

“As a result of this 3-year allowance, there will be stability and certainty for those involved in administering the programme and for those who benefit from it – between Gaeltacht schools, the Gaelic Athletic Association and the Gaeltacht community as a whole.”

Under the arrangements in place with Connacht Council and Munster Council respectively, the Councils foot the remaining 33% of the total cost of the programme.

Met Éireann weather warning extended by 24 hours

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August 12, 2022

Met Éireann’s status yellow warning for high temperatures this weekend has been extended by 24 hours.

The warning comes into effect today, Friday at 12pm, and will now expire at 6am on Monday after it was updated this morning.

The forecasters say that it will be very warm or hot on Friday and Saturday with maximum temperatures generally of 27 to 30 degrees and locally higher.

It will be warm overnight with minimum temperatures generally around 15 degrees.

The warning was issued for all counties in the Republic, but temperatures may not be as high in coastal areas due to sea breezes, particularly in the northwest.

Met Éireann says that the impacts of the warmer weather could lead to heat stress, especially for more vulnerable people.

There will also be a high solar UV index and an increased risk of water related incidents.

Temperatures are expected to return to normal by next week.

Works to demolish abandoned house in Athenry to begin next week

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August 12, 2022

galway daily news house to be demolished in athenry

The demolition of a house at the junction between Bridge Street and Abbey Row in Athenry is planned to begin next week.

The works will be carried out by Frank Higgins Ltd. Demolition Contractors and they are expected to be completed within two weeks.

Galway County Council has said that while every effort has been made to minimise the impact of the planned works, pedestrian and vehicular traffic may experience some minor delays within the immediate vicinity of the site.

Anyone with any queries or concerns regarding the planned work can contact the Environment Section at Galway County Council.

Drought continues to affect water supply in Inis Óirr

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August 12, 2022

Inis Óirr remains the only area in Galway impacted by water shortages brought on by drought conditions due to hot weather and a lack of rainfall this summer.

Measures such as nighttime restrictions were introduced in 24 areas nationwide to protect water supplies, and there are around 60 more supplies being closely monitored by Irish Water.

Recent rainfall has resulted in a decrease in the number of schemes at risk of drought, but Irish Water has appealed to the public to continue to conserve water.

Tom Cuddy, Irish Water’s Head of Asset Operations, thanked people for their support in conserving water, particularly during the hot weather in mid-July.

Speaking about water conservation, he said that it can sometimes be difficult to know where to start, but that even small changes can make a significant difference.

“By reducing our water use, for example turning off the hose and avoiding power washing, we can all help ensure there is enough water for everyone as we go through the rest of the Summer and into Autumn,” he said.

“To help people learn more about saving water we have developed an easy-to-use conservation calculator so they can work out how much water they are currently saving and how they can conserve even more.

“The free calculator is available on the Irish Water website at www.water.ie/calculator where you can also find lots of useful water saving tips.”

Man rescued from the water in the Claddagh

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August 11, 2022

Galway Daily news Claddagh Watch extending patrol efforts for Rag Week

A man was rescued from the water down by the Claddagh in Galway City on Thursday afternoon.

Gardaí attended the scene of an incident at Nimmo’s Pier at approximately 3:40pm today.

A man had been rescued from the water by emergency services there.

An Garda Síochána said that the man received medical attention after the rescue.

“Gardaí attended the scene of an incident that occurred at approximately 3:40pm on Thursday, 11th August 2022 at Nimmo’s Pier, Co. Galway.”

“A male was rescued from the water by emergency services and received medical attention.”

The RNLI, Coast Guard, and Water Safety Ireland have appealed for people exercise safety around the water during the current heatwave.

Man attacks brother and sister-in-law with iron bar

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August 11, 2022

Galway Daily courts Man charged in connection

A man who attacked his brother and sister-in-law with an iron bar has been given one last chance to work with the probation services.

Martin Cleary (38), of Lois na Coille, Ballybane, pleaded guilty to assaulting his brother and sister-in-law, as well as criminal damage.

Facts were heard before Judge Brian O’Callaghan at Galway Circuit Court, where Gardaí said that he attacked his family because he thought he deserved a council house they got.

On May 21 of 2019, Gardaí attended a home in Fana Glas, Doughiska around 7:40pm, where they found a man being treated by an ambulance for a laceration on his arm, and multiple bruises.

The court heard that the man and his wife were attacked by his brother Martin with an iron bar as they arrived home in their car.

After first attacking his brother, Cleary smashed a window on the other side of the car, and hit his sister in law multiple times with the iron bar.

She was able to grab ahold of the iron bar, suffering injuries to her hand, but he grabbed her phone off her before fleeing. The phone was not recovered.

Sgt Diarmuid Clooney told the court that the assault was fully captured on cctv, and matched what the injured parties said.

Judge Brian O’Callaghan said that the report from the probation services he had was damning, noting that Cleary showed no remorse or understanding.

He had refused to admit responsibility for the assault, placing the blame on others.

Defence Barrister Ernest said that he was instructed to offer a full apology to both injured parties, and a letter of apology was also handed in to the court.

The court heard that Martin Cleary had 36 previous convictions, and had received a suspended sentence at Galway District Court the day before this incident.

It was not clear how long this was for, but Judge O’Callaghan noted, “It was certainly suspended for more than a day”.

Judge O’Callaghan said that the only reason that Cleary wasn’t going to prison immediately was because Sgt Clooney said that he had not gotten in trouble since 2019.

He adjourned the case to December 16 for Cleary to have one last chance to engage with the probation services, on the basis that he must be properly remorseful.

Expansion plans for Connemara hotel

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August 11, 2022

Galway Daily news Expansion plans for Connemara hotel

Planning permission is being sought for an expansion of the Leenane Hotel in Connemara.

Connemara Hotels Ltd is seeking the county council’s approval to build a 12 bedroom extension onto the existing hotel.

The hotel, located on the N59 overlooking Killary Fjord between Westport and Clifden, is a protected structure first built in the early 19th century.

The building has been extended multiple times since then, the latest of which was an eight bay block added in 2007-2008.

The new extension would involve first removing an external staircase at the western end of the building.

A new three bay, four storey extension would then be built at the west end of the building, with a glazed staircase block at the end, and an external lift at the back.

An Architectural Heritage Impact Assessment Report was prepared for this planning application due to it being a protected structure.

Galway County Council is due to make a decision on whether to allow the hotel extension by mid September.

Council organising waste paint collection this weekend

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August 11, 2022

Galway Daily news Council organising waste paint collection this weekend

Galway County Council is organising a special waste collection for people to dispose of paint cans this weekend.

The waste paint collection will take place on Saturday, August 13.

Householders can drop off their waste paint cans at the Tuam, Ballinasloe and Clifden Civic Amenity Sites.

The first five cans are free, and there is a €5 fee after that, up to a maximum of ten cans.

This waste collection is for domestic householders only, not commercial waste.

Anyone intending to dispose of their paint cans this weekend must book ahead of time at: https://barnarecycling.com/booking.

Baboró’s Back, Baby – Beloved children’s festival returns

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August 11, 2022

Galway Daily arts Baboró’s Back, Baby - Renowned children's festival returns

Baboró International Arts Festival for Children is back with a vengeance this October, with a special extended festival to mark the occasion.

Ireland’s flagship festival devoted exclusively to children and families will run from October 14 – 23 for the 26th annual festival.

Taking place across theatres, galleries, schools and communities in Galway City and County, Baboró returns to a full programme of over 50 live events for an extended festival of 10 days.

The international festival, which celebrates children, families and community through art in all of its forms, will be welcoming companies from all over Ireland and Europe, including Belgium, Italy, Norway, Denmark,Scotland and England.

Events for children of all ages will include a special collection of European work for early years children (0-6 yrs), residencies in special schools and child-led projects.

Children aged 8+ are invited to join the surreal world of ‘Der Lauf’, where nothing is quite as it seems.

Two circus performers from Belgian company Le Cirque du Bout du Monde, compete in a series of bizarre challenges as they juggle blindly, spin plates wildly and stack glasses wearing boxing gloves.

As the glasses rise, so do the stakes. The children, as their only guide, help lead them to safety or towards further peril.

Ballet Ireland will present ‘The Glasshouse’, a dance performance for children aged 6+. It is the story of earnest, young Fiach, who is on a mission to repopulate the world with plants and turn it green.

This fun and compelling show, by exciting young choreographer Róisín Whelan, is about the courage of the human spirit, friendship and life’s determination to survive.

‘The Glasshouse’ is a feast for the eyes and senses, with moments of suspense and joy, exhilarating dancing, vibrant costumes and magical music to enthrall children and families.

Branar, one of Ireland’s leading theatre companies making work for children, will present their new co-production with New International Encounter (UK/Norway) ‘Grand Soft Day’.

A charming and curious new show for children aged 3-6 years, ‘Grand Soft Day’ celebrates the wonder of the world around us.

It’s a show of all seasons – splashing in puddles, wind whipping your hair, crunching frost under your feet and rain dripping on your nose.

Theatre, dance, visual art, literature and creative workshops will feature in the full festival programme which will be announced when the box office opens in early September.

High temperature weather warning for Galway this weekend as 29C forecast

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August 11, 2022

galway weather forecast High temperature weather warning for Galway this weekend as 29C forecast

A status yellow weather warning for high temperatures during this week’s heatwave has been extended to Galway for the weekend.

The warning will now apply to all of Ireland from midday on Friday until 6am on Sunday.

During that time temperatures will average 27 to 29 degrees, possibly going higher locally.

It will also remain warm overnight, with minimum temperatures generally around 15 degrees.

Temperatures may not be as high in coastal areas due to sea breezes, particularly in the northwest.

Leinster and Munster will already be under a weather warning for extreme heat from 12 noon today, before it applies to the rest of the country tomorrow.

Meteorologist Paul Downes said that sea fog may linger locally on all coasts at times also and that will limit maximum temperatures in these locations.

“Uncertainty increases as we progress through Sunday and into the early days of next week with a slight chance of thunderstorms later on Sunday and into Monday, likely heralding a return to cooler near average temperatures.”

This highest ever August temperature recorded in Ireland was 31.5 degrees at Oak Park, Co. Carlow in in 1995.

The likelihood of exceeding this is “quite low” Downes said, but cannot be ruled out entirely.

The RNLI, Irish Coast Guard and Water Safety Ireland have urged people to watch their personal safety if planning anything on the water this week.

Eamon’s Ryan mother dies after accident on Inishbofin

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August 11, 2022

Galway Daily news Eamon's Ryan mother dies after accident on Inishbofin — The mother of Green Party leader Eamon Ryan has died following an accident on Inishbofin. Photo: Green Party

The mother of Green Party leader Eamon Ryan has dies unexpectedly following an accidentThe mother of Green Party leader Eamon Ryan has dies unexpectedly following an accident off the coast of Galway while on holiday.

The Irish Independent reports that Mary Ryan was on Inishbofin island when she suffered an accident.

She was airlifted to University Hospital Galway by air ambulance, but passed away on Tuesday.

A notice on RIP.ie states that Ryan, who lived in Sandycove, passed away “unexpectedly but peacefully”.

She is described as the beloved wife of the late Bob, loving mother of John, Eamon, Robert and Marion.

The notice adds that she will be “sadly missed by her children and their partners, her adored grandchildren Harriet, Lorcan, Séamus, Fintan, Isabella, Jack, Oliver, Ino, Tom, Róise, Sean and Harry, great-grandson George, her sisters-in-law, extended family, neighbours and friends.”

Her removal will take place on Saturday, August 13 from her home to St Joseph’s Church, Glasthule for her funeral, followed by her burial at St Fintan’s Cemetery, Sutton.

Plans for new grandstand at NUI Galway Sportsground

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August 11, 2022

Galway Daily news New grandstand being built for University of Galway sports grounds

NUI Galway is seeking planning permission for new spectator stands at the university’s Sportsground in Dangan.

Plans have been submitted to the city council for a mini-grandstand measuring 3m wide x 3.4m high x 16m long.

The covered grandstand will be located on the lower embankment on the southern side of the GAA pitch.

This will provide an additional 48 seats for match spectators, which will be shielded from the rain, along with two wheelchair bays.

Galway City Council is due to make a decision on this planning application by mid September.

Three Galway players on minor hurling Team of the Year

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August 11, 2022

Galway Daily sport Three Galway players on minor hurling Team of the Year

Three Galway players have been named to the 2022 Electric Ireland GAA Minor Star Hurling Team of the Year.

The Galway Minor Hurling made it as far as the semi-finals this year, narrowly losing out to Tipperary 3-24 to 3-20 in June.

Tipp went on to win the All-Ireland with a victory over Offaly at the start of July.

Electric Ireland have this week announced the winners of the Minor Star awards, who make up the hurling Team of the Year.

The three Galway players who won the Minor Star awards are keeper Donagh Fahy, Captain and mid-fielder Rory Burke, and forward Aaron Niland.

Ardrahan keeper Donagh Fahy pulled of multiple fantastic saves for Galway over the course of the championship, particularly in the Quarter-Final.

That Quarter-Final also gave Aaron Niland a chance to shine, with the Clarinbridge player amassing 16 points in that game alone, as he racked up the scores from frees and from play.

Galway Minor Captain Rory Burke dominated the midfield throughout the season, with the Oranmore Maree man demonstrating his skills in passing and shooting, creating many scoring opportunities.

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

Adam Screeney, a member of the Offaly Minor Hurling team has been announced as the 2022 Electric Ireland GAA Minor Star Hurling Player of the Year, having scored 5 goals and 51 points this year.

The Electric Ireland GAA Minor Star Football Team of the Year and Football Player of the Year will be unveiled on Tuesday, August 16.

Sarah Sharkey, Brand, PR and Sponsorship Manager at Electric Ireland commented, “After another major season of the Electric Ireland GAA Minor Championships, we are delighted to announce the 2022 Electric Ireland GAA Minor Star Hurling Team of the Year.”

“Each member of the team has contributed enormously to what has been an outstanding season of Minor hurling.”

The full Minor Star Hurling Team of the Year is:

1. Donagh Fahy (Galway and Ardrahan)

2. Ciarán Flynn (Laois and The Harps)

3. James Mahon (Offaly and Kilcormac-Killoughey)

4. Eoghan Gunning (Clare and Broadford)

5. Sam O’Farrell (Tipperary and Nenagh Éire Óg)

6. James Hegarty (Clare and Inagh-Kilnamona)

7. Donal Shirley (Offaly and Tubber)

8. Rory Burke (Galway and Oranmore/Maree)

9. Adam Daly (Tipperary and Knockavilla-Donaskeigh Kickhams)

10. Ben Deegan (Laois and Camross)

11. Dan Ravenhill (Offaly and Durrow)

12. Paddy McCormack (Tipperary and Borris-Ileigh)

13. Aaron Niland (Galway and Clarinbridge)

14. Tom Delaney (Tipperary and Cahir)

15. Adam Screeney (Offaly and Kilcormac-Killoughey)

Quality of education being affected by large class sizes

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August 10, 2022