Orange warning for forest fires in place until Tuesday

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August 10, 2022

Galway Daily news met eireann high temperature warning

The RNLI, Irish Coast Guard and Water Safety Ireland are urging people to plan for their personal safety when visiting the coast or when in or near the water over the next week.

With air temperatures set to be in the mid to high 20s, all three organisations are reminding people about the dangers of cold-water shock.

This can seriously affect breathing and movement and can occur in any water temperature below 15c.

A joint statement from the three groups urged everyone to attend to their personal safety during the spell of warmer weather.

“With so many people enjoying the water this summer, it’s important that we all know the risks. The sea can be unpredictable, and even with the temperatures soaring, the fact is that the water is still relatively cool compared to air temperatures.”

They said that just because an area looks safe for swimming, it does not necessarily mean that it is safe.

“Only swim in areas that are protected by lifeguards or in areas with which you are familiar. In the case of lifeguard protected beaches only swim between the red and yellow flags.”

Kevin Rahill, RNLI’s Water Safety Lead, added that many people who get into danger each year never planned to enter the water – slips, trips and falls can also occur.

“The RNLI is urging people to Float to Live if they get into trouble in the water. This means leaning back and spreading your arms and legs to stay afloat, controlling your breathing, then calling for help or swimming to safety.

“In the event of any water or coastal emergency, call 999 or 112 or use marine VHF radio Ch 16 and ask for the Coast Guard.”

Over sixty patients on trolleys at Galway hospitals

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August 10, 2022

Fifty-six people are waiting for a bed at University Hospital Galway today as severe overcrowding continues in many hospitals across the Republic.

A further ten people are waiting on trolleys at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe today according to figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO).

Nationally, there are 449 patients on trolleys, with University Hospital Limerick the worst affected in the country.

Almost 1,000 people waited on trolleys at UHG throughout July, and since the beginning of May there have been 27,832 patients without a bed in Irish hospitals.

The INMO say that unless there is a hospital-by-hospital plan to tackle overcrowding, we are in for a bleak winter.

Average rents across Galway continue to spiral

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August 10, 2022

Galway daily news Galway County social housing tenants

The average rent in Galway city and county has risen again in the second quarter of this year according to the latest report by Daft.ie.

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.

Rents in the second quarter of 2022 were, on average across the country, 12.6% higher than a year previously – the strongest year-on-year increase in market rents since the Daft Report was launched in 2005.

Rents are higher, compared to a year ago, in all 54 markets covered in the Daft.ie Report.

The smallest increase (7.3% year-on-year) is seen in Dublin 20, while the largest increase (21.3%) was in Leitrim.

For the first time since 2016, year-on-year percentage increases in rents were larger in Dublin than elsewhere (12.7% vs 12.5%).

Funding announced for walking trails in Galway

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August 10, 2022

Minister Heather Humphreys has today announced funding of almost €1 million to support and improve some 446 walking trails across the State.

Under the initiative, trails in Co. Galway will get almost €80,000, with grants of €1,000 to €3,000 being provided to community groups responsible for managing the trails.

The groups will be able to use the grant to maintain and improve their local trail and promote its use to visitors.

Minister Humphreys said that our walkways, trails and greenways are an ‘integral feature’ of rural Ireland.

“They have been a godsend to us all, particularly during COVID-19, in terms of supporting our physical and mental wellbeing.

“This new initiative that I am announcing today is all about keeping these trails in top condition and supporting their use by both domestic and international visitors.

“So, it might be a case of using the grant to purchase a strimmer in order to maintain the local trail.

“Or a community group may decide to build a new website to promote their trail to a wider audience.”

Gardaí investigate after bales of hay stolen in Oranmore

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August 9, 2022

Gardaí are investigating the theft of bales of hay which took place on a farmland in the Oran Beg area of Oranmore last week.

A number of bales of hay were taken from the area during the theft on Monday 1 August.

No arrests have been made and An Garda Síochána said that investigations ongoing.

Local coffee shop donates €1,000 to 4Capsake initiative

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August 9, 2022

galway daily news 4capsake and esquire coffee reps in galway city — Ruth Keane, 4Capsake, and Caryl McDonagh, Esquires Coffee Eyre Square. Picture: Philip Smyth.

Esquires Coffee Galway has donated over €1,000 to the 4Capsake initiative which was founded by sisters Ruth Keane and Pam Finn after Ruth was diagnosed with cancer.

Pam and Ruth discovered Paxman Scalp Cooling – a pioneering technology that aims to help patients to prevent hair loss during therapy.

Ruth trialled the technology, and maintained most of her hair which had a huge impact on her recovery.

The Paxman Scalp Cooling System has been used by over 100,000 patients in 35 countries and is responsible for helping patients to keep their hair and retain normality during chemotherapy.

The cap works by lowering scalp temperature before, during, and after the administration of chemotherapy. The technology is not usually made available by the HSE and the two Galway sisters want to change that.

Speaking on behalf of Esquires Coffee, Caryl McDonagh said: “We were inspired by Ruth’s bravery and the willingness of Ruth and her sister Pam to try to help other women facing such heartbreaking news and the treatment that follows.

“The initiative is one that we feel strongly about and so we were delighted to support.”

No December exams for NUIG first years due to later start date

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August 9, 2022

NUI Galway has confirmed that first year undergraduates will not sit in-person exams in December as their academic year will begin at a later date than other students.

First years will start Semester 1 on September 26, three weeks later than other students, and they will finish on December 16, allowing for 12 weeks of teaching.

The later start, which was also the case last year, is due to the Leaving Certificate results being issued in the first week of September and the subsequent CAO offer rounds.

The University said in a statement that as a result of they have decided that first years will be assessed throughout the first semester instead of sitting exams at Christmas.

“This will ensure lecturers devote as much time as possible in the semester to teaching and learning,” they said.

Five days left for public to recycle bulky goods for €5

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August 9, 2022

galway daily news €5 bulky goods waste collection

People in Galway have five more days to avail of discounted recycling for bulky goods at the Ballinasloe, Clifden and Tuam Civic Amenity Sites and at the Barna Recycling facility on the Headford Road.

For €5, people can recycle three-piece suites, wardrobes, bedside lockers, mattresses, bed frames, dining tables and chairs.

Galway city and county councils have reminded the public that this service must be booked online via the Barna Recycling website before arriving at any of the sites.

Pre-booking is essential to avail of the €5 gate fee and regular gate and weighbridge fees will be incurred if people arrive at sites without prior online booking of the service.

The service is for householders only, and commercial operators will be turned away.

The local authorities have said that items which will not be accepted include construction and demolition waste, hazardous waste, bags of household waste, toys, trampolines, ceramic and textiles.

Anti-war group takes to city streets backing Sabina’s call for peace

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August 9, 2022

Galway Daily news €2 million being invested in upgrading antiquated city sewer network

A local peace group is taking to Shop Street in Galway city today to support Sabina Higgins’ call for peace negotiations to resolve the war in Ukraine.

The Galway Alliance Against War is supporting Sabina Higgins’ call for peace in Ukraine which she outlined in a letter to the Irish Times last week.

A spokesperson for the group said that the hysterical response to Sabina’s peace call is “depressingly reminiscent of the vitriolic abuse that John Hume had to endure when he accepted an invitation to talk to Gerry Adams about bringing to an end the ‘Northern Troubles’.”

“Thirty years on, we all know that John Hume was correct to talk to the Sinn Féin leader. It would appear the Irish media have learned nothing from that lesson.”

The Galway Alliance Against War spokesperson said that Ireland, with a seat on the UN Security Council, should be using its position as a neutral nation to promote internationally a peaceful resolution of this conflict.

“Instead, Simon Coveney and Micheál Martin seem to be hell-bent on getting us into the NATO war alliance,” they said.

“Sabina Higgins points out in her letter that up to a thousand Ukrainian soldiers are killed, wounded or captured each day. It seems to us that those opposed to peace wish to fight to the last Ukrainian. What happens then?

“The 9^th of August marks 77 years since the dropping of an atomic bomb on Nagasaki and therefore is an appropriate day for a peace event. This is particularly true, because what we are actually witnessing in Ukraine is a proxy war between NATO and Russia, two nuclear-armed belligerents.

“So when the last Ukrainian soldier falls this conflict could very easily spiral out of control and lead to a nuclear war and the destruction of the planet.”

President Higgins launches Galway Hospice Memorial Walk

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August 9, 2022

The annual Galway Hospice Memorial Walk will return next month, commemorating those we have lost, and raising money for this worthy cause.

Now in its 17^th year, the walk is one of Galway Hospice’s main fundraising events, helping to keep their essential services up and running.

By participating, you will help ensure the free delivery of essential Inpatient Care, Community Palliative Care, Day Care and Bereavement Support services to those affected by life-limiting illnesses, for as long as they are needed.

The fundraising campaign for the Memorial Walk was launched last week by President Michael D Higgins.

Those who take part in the Walk do so in memory of a family member, friend, neighbour or work colleague who has passed away, with many wearing the name of their loved one on special personalised t-shirts provided by the Hospice.

It is an event that is dear to many people’s hearts and one that will be especially appreciated this year, as people come together for the walk for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic.

The Memorial Walk will take place on Saturday, September 11, starting from Claddagh Hall at midday.

To register for the walk and get your fundraising kit, go to www.galwayhospice.ie/walk or call fundraising on 091 770868.

Planning refused for 12 houses and apartments in Claregalway

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August 9, 2022

Galway Daily news Appeal lodged over Claregalway housing development

Galway County Council has refused planning permission for a Claregalway housing estate, as the lands are not due for development yet.

Planning permission was sought for the construction of 12 houses and apartments at Cregboy, Claregalway, next to the Gleann Mhuiris housing estate.

This development would comprise 2 four-bedroom, detached houses, 2 four-bedroom, semi-detached houses; 4 three-bedroom, terraced houses; and 4 two-bedroom apartments in a two storey building.

The plans were initially submitted to the county council in April of this year, and under the expiring County Development Plan, these lands were designated Phase 1 Residential.

However, the new County Development Plan 2022-2028 came into effect from June of this year, while the application was still being assessed, and they are now designated as Phase 2 Residential for the Claregalway metropolitan area.

Under this plan, lands zoned Phase 2 residential should only be considered for housing developments if it believed that Phase 1 can’t or won’t be developed within the lifetime of the plan.

The council said that it was not satisfied that this was the case here, and refused planning permisssion.

Surge in people surrendering their dogs MADRA says

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August 9, 2022

Galway Daily news Surge in people surrendering their dogs MADRA says

Galway based dog rescue charity MADRA has said that there has been a surge in the number of people looking to surrender their dogs lately.

Such is the current pressure, that they are no longer able to help any dogs outside of Galway and Mayo, as their kennel is full, and they’re already hiring outside space to compensate/

“We almost always have a long waiting list and lately that list has gotten even longer. Our shelter is already full up with rescue dogs from the pounds in Galway and Mayo,” the charity said on facebook.

“We recieve messages from all over Ireland about surrendering dogs, but unfortunately we’re not in a position to help dogs outside of Galway and Mayo.”

“We are currently overwhelmed with the amount of dogs in these counties right now who need our help in finding new homes.”

MADRA said that they are trying to maintain services to dogs in three different pounds across Galway and Mayo.

However, their own kennel is already at such full capacity that they have had to pay external kennels to hold some dogs while they they and secure homes for them.

On top of the increased pressure on their services, MADRA is also suffering from greater strain on their finances that before.

Their charity shop in Furbo was forced to close due to the redevelopment of the land, costing them a major source of income.

“Collecting the dogs from the pounds is only the start of a sometimes long, and always expensive journey. We cannot take dogs out, unless we know that we can look after them for as long as it takes to find their new home.”

MADRA is asking people to consider donating even just €5 a month, for the next 6 to 12 months, “as we try to navigate our way through all the trials that have been thrown at us”.

“This steady, regular income will give us the stability we need to keep going, knowing that you guys have our backs, and that when we take in a dog, we can be sure that we can follow through with whatever care is needed.”

“We know that with some consistent support, we can get through this tough time without any reduction in our service to the pound, the dogs, and to you our supporters.”

You can make a donation, or set up a standing order, by going to MADRA’s website at: https://www.madra.ie/donate/.

Anyone interested in adopting a dog can also find all the information they need on the website.

New campaign against dog fouling in Galway County

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August 9, 2022

Galway Daily news New scheme tackling dog fouling

Galway County Council has launched a new anti-dog fouling initiative aimed at people walking their dogs.

The ‘Green Dog Walkers’ scheme aims to emphasise that dog fouling is the responsibility of the dog owner/walker and that they must clean up after their dog.

Dog owners and dog walkers in Co. Galway are invited to register for the scheme, and they will receive a complimentary high-viz vest and a ‘doggie bone’ poop-bag dispenser with a roll of bags.

The scheme was launched by Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council Moegie Maher last week, along with Cllr Shelley Herterich Quinn, who both signed up.

The Green Dog Walkers scheme is a positive, pro-active, non -confrontational, friendly way to change attitudes about dog fouling, which has already been rolled out in other parts of the country.

The scheme consists of dog owners and dog walkers committing to clean up after their dog, and to being a friendly reminder to other dog walkers to clean up after their dog, while at no time being aggressive or confrontational about the issue.

By signing up to the scheme you have ‘Taken the Pledge’ to always clean up after your dog, to carry extra doggie bags and to gladly give others a bag for their dog if they ask for one.

Interactive application forms for the scheme can be found online, and emailed to environment@galwaycoco.ie or downloaded here and posted to the council environment section at County Hall.

Plans at the early stages for East Galway wind farm

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August 8, 2022

Galway Daily news Plans in the works for northwest Galway wind farm

Plans for the development of a wind farm in East Galway are currently in their very early stages.

Killuremore Renewable Energy Limited is seeking approval for the construction of a wind farm consisting of 14 wind turbines.

The development would be located at Killure More and surrounding townlands, north west of Ballinasloe.

The project would also include electrical infrastructure and a grid connection to the 110kV Somerset substation.

The plans are currently at the pre-application consultation stage with An Bord Pleanála and County Council.

It is only after this is concluded that a full planning application has been made.

Major facelift for Westside Shopping Centre approved

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August 8, 2022

Galway Daily news Major facelift for Westside Shopping Centre approved

Westside Shopping Centre is getting a modern facelift after the City Council has approved plans for renovation works on the building.

Planning permission has been granted for refurbishments to the southern and western facades of the building, where it’s public entrance is

These will consist primarily of new cladding and signage, as well as landscaping works in the existing car park.

C+W O’Brien Architects, acting on behalf of Westside Shopping Centre Ltd, said that the new owners are seeking to modernise its appearance.

The council’s planning inspectors noted in their report that the existing facades of the building are “of their era”, and that the proposed revamp would be a welcome improvement.

Planning permission was granted by Galway City Council with three standard conditions attached.

UHG still dealing with large volume of of COVID patients

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August 8, 2022

University Hospital Galway remains under pressure from a high number of COVID patients, but the number admitted to the ICU has fallen.

There were 47 confirmed COVID-19 cases at UHG as of Sunday evening, the highest number of any hospital in the country.

This is a slight decrease from case numbers peaking around 50 in recent weeks, but figures at UHG have not fallen as fast at Beaumont, which did have roughly the same number of COVID patients, but now has just 38.

At Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe there are a further six confirmed cases of the virus.

Fortunately, both hospitals have just one COVID patient each who is in serious condition in the ICU.

Figures from the CSO show that between March of 2020 and February of this year, there were a total of 171 deaths related to the virus in Galway.

Galway City had the second lowest number of deaths in the country, with 36 in that period. The only area with fewer deaths due to the virus was Leitrim, where there were 26.

University Hospital Galway is also the second most overcrowded in the country today, with 47 patients on trolleys, mostly in the emergency department.

At Portiuncula Hospital there are a further 18 patients on trolleys, more than normal for Ballinasloe, with 11 in the ED and seven in the wards.

Galway Pride Week gets underway with flag raising in Eyre Square

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August 8, 2022

Galway Daily news Galway Pride Week gets underway with flag raising in Eyre Square

Galway Pride Week kicked off this morning with the raising of the flag in Eyre Square, starting a packed scheduled of events.

The launch party of Pride Week is due to take place on Monday evening at the Harbour Hotel, with a night of music, prizes and fun starting from 8pm.

Before that, there are two online events taking place today, with a panel on Queer Activism in the community at 3pm, and another educational event held by Intersex Ireland.

There’s plenty more to come over the course of the week, with music, quiz nights, and arts for entertainments.

There are also lots of more serious events on activism within the community, mental health, and more.

On Tuesday the Disability Space events will discuss being disabled in the Queer community, while the Anseo agus Aiteach, and Oíche Gaelach events will be great for Irish speakers.

Wednesday will se a candlelit vigil at the Spanish Arch at 9:30pm that night to commemorate those who have died.

This centrepiece of the week will of course be the annual Pride Parade taking place from 1pm to 3pm on Saturday, August 13.

More information on all the events taking place for Pride Week, their time, venue, and how to get tickets if needed, can be found at: http://galwaypride.ie/events/.

Homecoming for All-Ireland Intermediate Camogie Champions

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August 8, 2022

Galway Daily sport Homecoming for All-Ireland Intermediate Camogie Champions — Triumphant Galway Intermediate Camogie Team. Photo: Galway Camogie via Twitter

The Galway Intermediate Camogie team are coming home as champions today after claiming the All-Ireland title on Sunday.

The Galway Camogie team won Dimplex All-Ireland Intermediate Championship 0-13 to 0-11 against Cork on Sunday.

Today, the team is making their way to Galway, stopping and passing through multiple towns along the way.

At 2:30pm the girl’s will stop at Maise’s in Athlone for lunch, and walk the cup across the Shannon.

They are expected to leave Athlone at 4:30pm for the Shearwater Hotel in Ballinasloe, departing there an hour later.

The team will make their way towards Mullagh via Kiltomer, before departing there at 6:30pm to travel on via Loughrea, Oranmore, Clarinbridge, and Ballindereen.

Galway Camogie are asking people to get out and support the team on their triumphant way home.

Public urged not to feed horses and donkeys without owner’s permission

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August 8, 2022