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Widespread water outages in Galway City

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Galway Daily news Moycullen water outage

Water outages and low pressure problems are occurring in multiple areas on the west side of Galway City today following a serious burst water main.

Repairs crews are currently at work on the water main which burst at the playing pitches on Seamus Quirke Road this morning.

Irish Water and Galway City Council have said that efforts are being made to redirect water where possible to maintain the water supply to homes and businesses.

But this is causing water outages and pressure issues in Salthill, the Claddagh, and parts of lower Knocknacarra including the Westside, Kingston Road, and areas South of Western Distributor Road and Circular Road.

Galway Daily
Map of areas affected. Credit: Galway City Council

Speaking about the repair works Shay Walsh Irish Water said: “The repairs on the burst watermain on Circular Road, Westside Park are being conducted as quickly as possible to minimise disruption to the community and restore water for all customers.”

“We understand the inconvenience unplanned outages can have on customers and we appreciate their patience as we work to repair the burst and return the water supply.”

Irish Water has said that repairs are currently scheduled to continue until 9pm tonight, and are expected to be completed by this evening.

It typically takes 2-3 hours after such repairs are completed before people see their full water supply restored.

Updates can be found on Irish Water’s supply and service website page.

Wetherspoons submits plan for new pub in former Carbon nightclub

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Galway Daily news Wetherspoons submits plan for conversion of former Carbon nightclub

Wetherspoons have submitted plans to the city council to convert the former Carbon nightclub to a pub and restaurant.

Planning permission is being sought by the UK pub chain for works including demolition and refurbishment works at ground floor level including the front elevation at Eglinton Street.

The plans also include an extension to first floor level to include a roof terrace, customer toilets and staff facilities.

Modifications will be made to the existing beer garden on the ground floor, and a second one will be added on the roof terrace upstairs.

Galway City Council is due to make a decision on this planning application by September 15 of this year.

Wetherspoons purchased the former Carbon nightclub in late 2019 as part of its ongoing expansion plans in Ireland.

Wetherspoon already runs seven pubs and two hotels in Ireland: the Three Tun Tavern (Blackrock), The Forty Foot (Dun Laoghaire), The Great Wood (Blanchardstown), The Linen Weaver (Cork), The Old Borough (Swords) including hotel, Keaven’s Port Hotel (Dublin), The Tullow Gate (Carlow) and The Silver Penny (Dublin).

Connacht Rugby URC fixtures announced

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Galway Daily rugby Connacht squad named for South Africa trip in URC Semi-Final

Connacht Rugby have learned their fixtures for the 2022/23 United Rugby Championship today, kicking off the season against Ulster.

Connacht’s first match of the season will be an away game in Belfast on Friday, September 16, with the rest of the month taken up by two trips to South Africa.

The second away game of the URC season we take on DHL Stormers in Cape Town before making the trip North to take on the Vodacom Bulls in Pretoria.

After starting off the season away from home, Connacht’s next three matches will take place on the brand new pitch in the Sportsground.

They will face off first against the two remaining Irish provinces, followed by a visit from the Scarlets, before heading over to Wales to play the Ospreys.

Dates, times and TV coverage are to be confirmed.

Connacht Rugby season ticket memberships are on sale now online here, guaranteeing entry into every home game, plus a range of great benefits.

Connacht Rugby 2022-23 FIXTURES

SEPTEMBER

  • Sep 16 v Ulster (A)
  • Sep 23 v DHL Stormers (A)
  • Sep 30 v Vodacom Bulls (A)

OCTOBER

  • Oct 7 v Munster (H)
  • Oct 14 v Leinster (H)
  • Oct 21 v Scarlets (H)
  • Oct 28 v Ospreys (A)

NOVEMBER

  • Nov 25 v Munster (A)

DECEMBER

  • Dec 2 v Benetton (H)
  • Challenge Cup Dec 9 v Newcastle Falcons (H)
  • Challenge Cup Dec 16 v CA Brive (A)
  • Dec 23 v Ulster (H)
  • Dec 30 v Leinster (A)

JANUARY

  • Jan 6 v Cell C Sharks (H)
  • Challenge Cup Jan 13 v CA Brive (H)
  • Challenge Cup Jan 20 v Newcastle Falcons (A)
  • Jan 27 v Emirates Lions (H)

FEBRUARY

  • Feb 17 v Zebre (A)

MARCH

  • Mar 3 v Dragons (A)
  • Mar 24 v Edinburgh (H)

APRIL

  • Apr 14 v Cardiff (H)
  • Apr 21 v Glasgow Warriors (A)

Cappataggle GAA launch biggest ever fundraiser in memory of club stalwart

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Galway Daily sport Cappataggle GAA launching biggest ever fundraiser in memory of club stalwart

Cappataggle GAA have launched their annual fundraiser to support the club, and two worthy local charities.

The ‘Seán’s Stairway to Heaven’ fundraising climb will take place this August in aid of Galway Hospice and the East Galway and Midlands Cancer Support Centre

These two charities were chosen in memory of club stalwart Sean Stankard who sadly passed away in March of this year.

“Sean was a great servant to the club and the wider community in Cappataggle and raised thousands of euros for local charities and the club over the years,” a club spokesperson said.

“Both the Galway Hospice and the East Galway and Midlands Cancer Support Centre were of huge support to Sean in his final months and continue to provide help and support to hundreds of families from all over the west of Ireland.”

This will be Cappataggle GAA’s biggest ever fundraising endeavour and it hopes to raise over €100,000.

It’s hoped that hundreds of people from the parish and beyond will take part in the ‘Sean’s Stairway to Heaven’ climb in August in the Cuilcagh Mountain Park in Co Fermanagh.

Each team will hold different fundraising events in the lead up to their climb, so please keep an eye on Cappataggle GAA’s social media channels for updates on how to support.

Anyone who wants to support this drive can also donate online at www.idonate.ie/cappatagglehurlingclub.

The fundraising drive will close with a day of celebration on August 28th, with a great day of events to be organised in Cappataggle Sportsfield.

There will be music in the marquee and entertainment on the day, with everything from sheep racing, sheaf throwing, turf footing and a game of hurling involving some ‘Masters’ from local hurling clubs. Plus, lots more. A great day out is guaranteed.

The club is asking anyone that can to please support the teams taking part in the weeks ahead as they raise funds, in any way, big or small.

Government approves independent office for Tuam Mother and Baby Home excavation

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galway daily news Advisory Board members sought for Tuam Mother and Baby Home excavation

The government has approved plans to establish an independent office to oversee the excavation of the Tuam Mother and Baby Home site.

Minister Roderic O’Gorman’s plans to establish an Office of Director of Authorised Intervention, Tuam were approved by the government on Wednesday.

The independent Director will oversee the excavation, exhumation, and analysis, and final reburial of the Mother and Baby Home site and human remains.

This comes after the Institutional Burials Act 2022 was signed into law this month.

The matter will now be brought before the Oireachtas when it reconvenes in Autumn, seeking a resolution approving the appointment.

The Minister said of the matter, “These are the final steps necessary in order to appoint a Director and start the excavation in Tuam.”

“Affected families and, indeed, the people of Ireland have waited a long time for this,” Roderic O’Gorman said.

“If approved by the Houses I will appoint a Director in the Autumn with a view to starting the excavation as soon as possible.”

UHG has highest number of COVID patients in Ireland

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Galway Daily news

University Hospital Galway currently has the highest number of COVID-19 patients in the country, and the most in the ICU.

There were 44 confirmed cases of COVID-19 at UHG as of Wednesday evening, with nine new cases admitted in the previous 24 hours.

Of these cases, five patients are being treated in the intensive care unit at UHG, more than in any other hospital.

There were no intensive care beds vacant for new patients at University Hospital Galway as of yesterday according to the HSE.

At Portiuncula hospital in Ballinasloe there are just four confirmed COVID cases, but two of those patients are in serious condition in the ICU.

The figures in Galway, while particularly high at UHG, are still down from a peak at the start of this month, when there there were 57 cases in Galway, and seven in Ballinasloe.

But the intensive care figures this morning are notably higher than at the start of July, when UHG had just three cases in intensive care, along with one at Portiuncula.

As of yesterday evening there were a total of 493 people hospitalised with COVID-19 in Ireland according to HSE figures, of whom 34 have been admitted to intensive care.

City Council hosts Californian business delegation

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Galway Daily business City Council hosts Californian business delegation

Galway City Council recently played host to a delegation of Californian Industrialists and elected Assembly members, showcasing the business opportunities in the city.

The visit last week was part of high profile visit to Ireland by the Californian delegation, and coincided with Galway International Arts Festival.

The group was welcomed by the Deputy Mayor of Galway City, Cllr Mike Cubbard, who spoke about Galway’s role in driving the development of the Atlantic Economic Corridor.

Cllr Cubbard welcomed the group to Galway, and invited them to stay a while, and enjoy the city, and most importantly, to return again.

The delegation also heard from Brian Barrett, Director of Services, Gary McMahon, Arts Officer, and Ruairi Lehmann, Tourism Officer, all with the city council, who touted the many advantages of Galway.

Prof Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, President of NUI Galway, also spoke about the close relationship of the United States and Ireland, with the group having visited the University the previous evening.

Speaking about the event, Brian Barrett said, “Galway City Council welcomes the delegation from California, and the opportunity to reignite the traditional strong Irish-American relationship.”

“This meeting was an opportunity to showcase Galway, as a diverse city of enterprise and learning with a rich cultural heritage, immersed in a stunning natural environment.”

“We look forward to welcoming more such delegations to our city in future, and supporting further direct investment by our visitors in Galway City”.

Ticketing details for Senior & Intermediate Hurling Club Championships

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Galway Daily GAA Ticketing details for Senior & Intermediate Hurling Club Championships

The Galway GAA Senior & Intermediate Hurling Club Championships get underway this weekend.

Details of all the fixtures for Friday through Monday, along with ticketing information for the Brooks Group Championships have been released by Galway GAA.

Match tickets cost €10 if purchased ahead of time, or €15 if you’re buying at the gate. Under 16s go free.

If the game forms part of a double header the Match Ticket is valid for both games at the venue.

Galway GAA have said that livestreaming details for the matches will be announced ahead of time.

Friday, July 29

Brooks Senior A Hurling Championship

Craughwell v Kilconieron, Loughrea, 7.15 PM, purchase match tickets here

Brooks Senior B Hurling Championship

St. Mary’s Athenry v Moycullen, Kenny Park, 7.15 PM, purchase match tickets here

Padraig Pearses v Mullagh, Duggan Park, 7.15 PM, purchase match tickets here

Brooks Intermediate Hurling Championship

Sylane  v An Spidéal, Pearse Stadium, 7.15 PM, purchase match tickets here

Saturday, July 30:

Brooks Senior A Hurling Championship

Gort v Cappataggle, Loughrea, 5.15 PM, purchase match tickets here

Clarinbridge v Killimordaly, Kenny Park, 5.45 PM, purchase match tickets here

Castlegar v Turloughmore, Pearse Stadium, 5.45 PM, purchase match tickets here

Loughrea v Tommy Larkins, Duggan Park, 7.30 PM, purchase match tickets here

Brooks Senior B Hurling Championship

Portumna v Ahascragh/Fohenagh, Duggan Park 6 PM, purchase match tickets here

 Liam Mellows v Ardrahan, Kenny Park, 4 PM, purchase match tickets here

Brooks Intermediate Hurling Championship

Kilbeacanty v Meelick-Eyrecourt, Loughrea, 3.30 PM, purchase match tickets here

Kinvara v Rahoon-Newcastle, Pearse Stadium 4 PM, purchase match tickets here

Sunday, July 31:

Brooks Senior A Hurling Championship

St Thomas v Sarsfields, Kenny Park, 2.00 PM, purchase match tickets here

Brooks Senior B Hurling Championship

Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry v Kilnadeema-Leitrim, Kenny Park, 3.45 PM, purchase match tickets here

Brooks Intermediate Hurling Championship

Castlegar v Killimor, Gort, 12 PM, purchase match tickets here

Kiltormer v Abbeyknockmoy, Duggan Park, 12 PM, purchase match tickets here

Annaghdown v Clarinbridge, Pearse Stadium, 12 PM, purchase match tickets here

Turloughmore v Ballinderreen, Gort, 1.45 PM, purchase match tickets here

Carnmore v Craughwell, Pearse Stadium, 1.45 PM, purchase match tickets here

Monday, August 1:

Brooks Senior B Hurling Championship

Beagh v Oranmore-Maree, Kenny Park, 5PM, purchase match tickets here

€400 monthly payment now available for hosts of Ukrainian refugees

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galway daily news University of Galway signs partnership with government of Ukraine

Irish households hosting refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine can now apply for a €400 payment to cover expenses.

The scheme opened for applications yesterday and the payments can be backdated to 4 March 2022 where accommodation has been provided since that date.

The tax-free payments are available to people who are providing, or have provided, accommodation to at least one person who has arrived in Ireland under an EU Directive which grants Ukrainians temporary protection.

Those applying for the scheme must meet accommodation standards and they are required to confirm this as part of their application

The scheme was set up to recognise the contribution of people who have offered up accommodation, whether in its entirety or a room, at their own expense.

A person providing accommodation to temporary protection beneficiaries on a commercial basis is ineligible to participate in the scheme.

It is available however to those who have made the hosting arrangement privately or through the Irish Red Cross pledge process.

More than 700 Galway people on Jobseekers’ for over 10 years

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galway daily news jobseekers building in galway city

Over 700 people in Galway have been on the Jobseekers’ Allowance (JA) for at least ten years.

The Department of Social Protection figures obtained by Newstalk under Freedom of Information show that 15,000 people nationally have been on JA for over 10 years.

Some 4,037 of those are in Dublin, while Galway, Donegal, Cork Louth and Wexford all have at least 700.

Bríd O’Brien from the Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed told Newstalk that there are many reasons people can find themselves long-term unemployed.

“The longer you’re out of work, the more difficult it can be to get in work, which is why then good advice and support is critical,” she said.

“People may need to reskill, retrain. Even just getting the advice – getting a job is a job in itself.

“The majority of us aren’t great at it so people do need good pointers and advice around how to secure a job, how to apply for a job, how to present yourself.”

UHG is the most overcrowded hospital in Ireland today

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Galway Daily news

University Hospital Galway is the most overcrowded hospital in the State today with 50 patients waiting for a bed.

There are 418 people on trolleys across the country today according to figures published by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO).

University Hospital Limerick is the second most overcrowded with 45 people awaiting admission to a bed, followed by Cork University Hospital with 43.

Portiuncula University Hospital in Ballinasloe has eight people waiting on trolleys today.

The INMO called for immediate action at UHG earlier this month to deal with the number of people on trolleys.

“Hospital management need to cancel all non-urgent elective procedures at the hospital. Safe patient care must be a priority,” the organisation said in a statement.

They said that this level of overcrowding in Galway and indeed across the country in July is not normal and should not be treated as such.

“Hospital management and the HSE need to take short, medium and long-term action.”

97-year-old Galway Hooker to set off for the Netherlands

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galway daily news loveen galway hooker takes off for holland

A 97-year-old Galway Hooker will make history next weekend when she leaves the Western shores bound for the Netherlands for an international scouting event.

Loveen, one of the boats with Galway Hooker Sailing Club, will head to the Netherlands between 8 and 17 August to represent Ireland’s traditional nautical heritage at the NaWaKa event.

The hooker will join a flotilla of other national sailing vessels during the festival, which will see sea scouts from all around Europe gather in Landgoed Zeewolde.

Scout groups are being encouraged to bring their own national sailing vessel to the 10-day spectacle, so it can be part of the shared learning experience and vibrant cultural exchange.

Port of Galway Sea Scouts are bringing 40 children and Loveen, and ten support crew from the Galway Hooker Sailing Club will also attend to assist the scouts.

The Hooker, a gleoiteog built in 1925, was gifted to Port of Galway Sea Scouts in 211 by the Dolan family, and caught the attention of people at home and abroad during her two-year restoration.

The restoration by Galway Hooker Sailing Club started in September 2019 and continued during the pandemic whenever possible, before launching in October 2021 at the Spanish Arch in Galway city.

The story generated huge interest both locally and online as it connected so many people to Galway.

Two students awarded Dr Karzan Sabah D Ahmed research bursary

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galway daily news dr karzan research bursary recipients at nui galway
Karzan D Ahmed Bursary (left to right) Dr Andy Bleasedale, Aoife Murphy, Niamh Nolan, Professor Mike Gormally, NUI Galway

NUI Galway has announced the recipients of the inaugural Dr Karzan Sabah D Ahmed Memorial Research Bursary, which was established to remember the researcher who died with his wife Shahen Qasm and their baby daughter Lina in a road accident in 2021.

The successful students are Aoife Murphy, from Loughrea, who has completed her BSc in Environmental Science, and Niamh Nolan, from Listowel in Co. Kerry, who is a final year student of BSc in Environmental Science.

The students were awarded the summer scholarship created in partnership with NUI Galway and the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Both students will undertake a three-month research scholarship in High Nature Value farmland during the summer of 2022.

Andy Bleasdale, Director of Scientific Advice and Research, National Parks and Wildlife Service, said that honouring the memory and legacy of Karzan is particularly important to NPWS.

“We are delighted to partner with NUI Galway in developing the skills and expertise of a new generation of ecologists, through research bursaries in High Nature Value farmland.”

Speaking on behalf of NUI Galway, Julie Stafford, Director of Development, Community & Alumni Relations at the University, said: “We are delighted to partner with NPWS to remember Karzan, Shahen and Lina in such an appropriate way by continuing Karzan important work.

“Karzan was a great colleague and friend to many at NUI Galway and this bursary will continue his legacy.

“It is our hope that students who are awarded the bursary will contribute in a small way to continuing the legacy of Karzan at our university.”

Covid-19: Nearly a third of 5-11 year olds in South Connemara vaccinated

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galway daily news Vaccine booster clinic continuing today for people in their 50s

South Connemara has the highest percentage of vaccinated children between 5 and 11 years in County Galway, according to the latest CSO figures.

Updated data show that just under 30% of 5 to 11-year-olds received a vaccine in the Conamara South electoral division, well above the national average of 21%.

The area also has the highest percentage of people with the first booster vaccination across all ages (62.5%).

All ten electoral areas in Galway have additional dose uptakes of over 50%, with the lowest (50.8%) in Galway City East.

Galway City East and Galway City Central have the lowest percentage of vaccinated children between 5 and 11, at 13% and 10% respectively.

Nationally, the fully vaccinated rate for 5- to 11-year-olds ranges from 4% to 53% across all Local Electoral Areas.

Additional dose 1 rates range from 36% to 74% in electoral areas around the country and those with the highest first booster rates are Rathfarnham-Templeogue, Blackrock, and Dundrum.

The CSO says that the data was taken using the new 2022 Census preliminary results and that the vaccination rates should be interpreted as estimates.

OPW Minister visits Headford with group of TDs and councillors

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galway daily news opw minister with tds and councillors in headford galway
Ciaran Cannon TD, Sean Canney TD, Cllr Moegie Maher, Cllr Andrew Reddington and Minister Patrick O Donovon with OPW Officials at the new OPW depot in Headford

OPW Minister Patrick O’Donovan visited Headford on Tuesday to visit new OPW offices in Headford as well as Ross Errilly Franciscan Friary which dates well back before the 1400s.

County Councillor Andrew Reddington explained to the Minister while visiting the Abbey that it is in desperate need of emergency works and it was essential that the Minister brought this back to his department.

The last time any major works were carried out there by the OPW was in the mid 1980s and it is falling into disrepair, with the tower being the main area of concern.

There has never been any serious remedial work done on the tower and there has never been scaffolding put up around the outside of it to deal with the exterior of the tower.

A group of TDs and councillors explained to Minister O’Donovan that there is no electricity at the Abbey or any toilet facilities for visiting tourists.

The nearest electrical pole is only 200 metres away, meaning it would not be difficult to get electricity to the abbey.

Cllr Reddington thanked Glen Corbett and Seamus Mchugh who gave a detailed run down of emergency works needed at the abbey.

The delegation then joined OPW officials and Finna Construction who gave us a tour of the OPW offices in Headford a five million euro investment for Headford.

The Ministers also confirmed that works on the Garda Station in Headford are due to start shortly.

Call for new banking model for SMEs and personal customers

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galway daily crime Over €450,000 funding to help Galway students with cost of living crisis

Local TD Denis Naughten has called for a state bank for SMEs and personal customers following AIB’s decision to remove cash services in 70 branches last week before the bank performed a U-turn on Friday.

The Independent TD welcomed AIB’s reversal of the decision, but said the fact remains that such banking services are under threat unless an alternative approach is taken.

Naughten noted that AIB’s decision comes after Bank of Ireland closed branches in Elphin, Strokestown, Ballygar and Dunmore last year.

He said that the actions by banks which the Irish people bailed out just over a decade ago clearly show they have no regard for the sacrifices that families were forced to take to save them.

“It is now time for the Government to urgently revisit the establishment of a State bank for SMEs and personal customers,” he said.

“Prior to the pandemic many of our local towns were beginning to reinvent themselves, particularly with the opportunity of Government funding through tourism, rural regeneration and town and village schemes.

“These actions by the existing banks are a significant setback to their recovery plans.”

The Roscommon-Galway TD pointed out that there are two distinct customer bases that are being excluded by the current two bank model in this country, namely personal customers and small businesses.

He said that this needs to be addressed in a new banking model.

“With 13% of people not using online banking, a figure that is even higher across regional Ireland, even a simple service such as the provision of 24-hour access to an ATM for both lodgements and withdrawals would make a big difference in helping these towns recover after Covid.

“I believe a Dáil Committee needs to be established because unless this agenda is politically driven on a cross-party basis, then it is doomed to failure because the reality is that the financial establishment, in all its guises, does not want a third State co-ordinated banking force that will actively compete with the two existing banks.

“There is no doubt that there is an absolute mindset block against State involvement in the banking sector.

“Surely if Covid has taught us anything it is that ways can be found for State intervention in the long-term public interest when needed.”

Galway has Ireland’s 3rd highest number of charities

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Galway Daily news Galway has Ireland's 3rd highest number of charities

Galway has the third highest number of registered charities in Ireland, with 661 charitable organisations in the county.

These figures come from the Charities Regulator’s Annual Report 2021, which was released today.

The only counties with more the Galway are Dublin, where 3,140 charities are operating, and Cork, which has 1,177.

The Charities Regulator is urging all charities to comply with their legal requirements in order to boost public confidence.

This is after the report found that just 64% of registered charities had filed their annual reports on time, which is within 10 months of the charity’s financial year-end.

These annual reports provide an overview of a charity’s finances and activities in the previous year and are published on the public Register of Charities.

Helen Martin, Chief Executive of the Charities Regulator said: “The question for charities is whether they can afford not to comply with the requirement to file annual reports.”

“Funding is the number one concern for charities we surveyed last year, and as inflation brings an increased cost of living, it will remain so.”

“There is a strong link between greater transparency and accountability by charities and public trust in the sector, according to the public,” she added.

She said that filing annual reports is “an important means for registered charities to provide basic information to the public on their finances and activities in the previous year.”

Ms Martin commended charities on their hard work and dedication to a wide array of causes in 2021, and acknowledged the Covid-19 related challenges which the majority of charities continued to experience during the year.

“Notwithstanding these challenges, we were heartened to see the level of positive engagement by registered charities with the Charities Governance Code.”

Last year was the first year in which charities had to report their level of compliance with this code.

Some of the highlights in the report include that 282 new charities were registered last year, including 98 schools, bringing the total number in Ireland to 11,426.

There was an increase of 22% in the number of concerns raised – up from 466 in 2020 to 568 in 2021.

Ms Martin said that the increase was not unexpected given the gradual resumption of activity by charities during the year, as public health restrictions eased.

The top three areas of concerns were: governance (209 complaints / 37%), legitimacy of charity (196 complaints / 35%) and financial control and transparency (107 complaints / 19%).

“While concerns relating to unregistered organisations remain high, governance and issues linked to financial control and transparency within registered charities continued to generate the most concerns among the public,” said Ms Martin.

Plans submitted for Tuam housing development

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

Planning permission is being sought for a residential development of 27 houses in Tuam.

Limekin Construction has submitted plans to the county council for a housing estate on the south west side of town, at the existing Tir an Choir estate.

The estate would comprise a mix of two and three bedroom terraced and semi-detached houses.

Five of which would be sold to the council to comply with Part V planning requirements for social or affordable housing.

Access to the residential development would be via the existing estate road, which opens onto Barrack Street in Tuam.

The houses will be arranged around a central area of landscaped communal open space.

A decision on this planning application is due from Galway County Council by August 25 of this year.

Funding to expand opening hours at three Galway libraries

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Galway daily news Funding to expand opening hours at three Galway libraries
Ballinasloe Library

Three Galway Libraries have been awarded funding that will make them more accessible to everyone, and extend their opening times.

Minister Heather Humphreys has today announced €3.1 million investment in My Open Library services at 46 library branches across the country.

My Open Library is an initiative that provides self-service access to libraries outside of normal staffed opening hours.

In Clifden, €115,678 has been granted to the county council to roll out My Open Library services there.

A further €38,000 will go towards new equipment to improve the existing services in Ballinasloe and Oranmore libraries.

Ballinasloe Library will receive €30,604, and Oranmore has been awarded €37,570 in funding for My Open Library.

Minister Humphreys said that supporting libraries is a “key priority” of hers as the Minister for Rural and Community Development.

“They provide such essential services to people, both young and old, and this funding will give so many more people greater access to their local branch.”

“It reflects the fact too that some people like to visit their library early in the morning or late in the evening due to work commitments.”

“I’m delighted that we are in a position to roll the initiative out in these additional branches,” Heather Humphreys said.

My Open Library provides library access to members from 8 a.m to 10 p.m, 365 days per year.

The provision of the self-service activities during My Open Library hours includes, but is not limited to:

  • stock issue and return
  • internet usage on PC and Wi-Fi for use on own device
  • printing, photocopying and scanning facilities
  • studying and reading spaces
  • meeting space, and
  • access to toilet facilities

The scheme was introduced on a pilot basis in 2014 at Banagher, Tullamore and Tubbercurry libraries.

More than 50 people on trolleys at UHG today

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UHG is the second most overcrowded hospital in Ireland again today, with more than 50 patients waiting on trolleys.

There were 48 people on trolleys at the University Hospital Galway emergency department as of this morning, and another three in the wards.

Portiuncula Hospital is also experiencing bad overcrowding today according to INMO Trolley/Ward Watch figures.

At the Ballinasloe hospital there are 11 patients in the ED without a bed, and another six in the wards.

There are a total of 485 patients in Ireland’s public hospitals going without a bed today according to the INMO.

The worst affected hospital in the country is UH Limerick (59), followed by UHG (51), and Cork UH (48).

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