Planning refused for 12 houses and apartments in Claregalway

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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

Galway Daily news Ballinasloe Horse Fair cancelled again this year

People have been urged not to feed horses and donkeys without the owner’s permission as it could lead to severe illness or death.

The Department of Agriculture said that many people are enjoying walks along boreens and village roads this summer and will likely get the opportunity to see horses and donkeys up close.

But the Department has urged people not to feed these animals without the owner’s permission.

In a statement they said that while it may be well-intentioned, feeding bread, food scraps, fruit or vegetables to horses or donkeys may cause illness or choking.

“What may seem like a treat could be potentially fatal for the animals,” the Department said.

“Additionally, the horses and donkeys may be put at risk of developing laminitis (a painful swelling of the feet) or suffering colic (a condition which can be serious and even fatal).

“The public are asked to be mindful that feeding grass cuttings or garden waste to equines can also be dangerous.

“Chemicals applied to lawns may be harmful if eaten, while plants mixed with grass cuttings may be poisonous to horses and donkeys if ingested.”

M6 eastbound closed near Ballinasloe until tonight

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August 8, 2022

The M6 motorway eastbound near Ballinasloe is closed until 9pm today for essential repair roadworks.

Resurfacing works are taking place on the motorway near Junction 14 Ballinasloe in order to allow a lane to reopen.

In order to facilitate these works, the eastbound motorway is closed today between Junctions 13 & 14.

The works are currently scheduled to last until 9pm on Monday.

Diversions are in place at the affected are of road.

Galway allocated €724,000 to improve rural laneways and non-public roads

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August 8, 2022

galway daily news road sean canney call for funding country road in galway

The government has announced additional funding of €724,000 to improve non-public roads and rural laneways in Co. Galway.

Galway’s allocation is part of €11 million announced in the second round of the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS), bringing the total funding announced under the scheme this year to €22 million.

The money will be used to upgrade rural laneways and non-public roads which provide access to homes, farms and outdoor amenities.

Prior to today’s announcement, each Local Authority was asked to consult with local residents and landowners and identify road and laneway projects where works could start immediately and be completed this year.

Minister Heather Humphreys, who confirmed the increased funding this morning, said that the recent census results show that the population of rural Ireland is growing.

“As part of ‘Our Rural Future’ I want to see more people living, working and raising a family in our rural communities throughout the country,” she said, describing the rise in the rural population as ‘hugely positive’.

“The Local Improvement Scheme is about making life a little bit easier for those rural families who live on a laneway or non-public road.

“The scheme provides substantial grant aid for the upgrade of these routes and assists homeowners with the costs. In many cases where there are multiple homes on a lane, neighbours will work together to draw down funding under the scheme.”

Minister Humphreys said that LIS funding through the Department of Rural and Community Development has improved 3,000 roads and laneways across the State, benefitting over 13,000 rural homes.

“The funding I am announcing today will see a further increase in those numbers with many more homeowners benefitting,” she said.

Warning as con artists attempt to access homes by posing as charity reps

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August 8, 2022

galway daily news fake threshold rep scam

Several ‘serious incidents’ have been reported in the West whereby individuals posing as housing charity representatives have attempted to gain access to homes and information.

Threshold, the national housing charity, warned the public that these house calls and phone calls are not in any way related to them, and it is not their remit to carry out such actions.

They said that anyone who receives contact, or encounters someone claiming to be from Threshold for a ‘house inspection’, should report the matter to the relevant authorities.

Threshold can also be contacted regarding any such incidents and can verify any activity related to genuine cases that are in progress.

Phone 1800 454 454 or email via www.threshold.ie/advice

Public meeting in Galway city to discuss ‘Fight for Trans Liberation’

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August 8, 2022

galway daily news aras na ngael galway soviet meeting in galway city

A public meeting entitled ‘The Fight for Trans Liberation’ will take place at Áras na nGael on Dominick Street on Wednesday 17 August at 7.30pm.

The meeting, hosted by People Before Profit, will be addressed by trans activist and party member Mike Lovett.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, PBP Galway rep Adrian Curran said that oppression remains a daily reality for trans people across Irish society.

Curran pointed to the ‘dismal state’ of transition-related healthcare, including the lack of any provision for under-18s for the last year and a half, the high unemployment rate, the prevalence of poor mental health, and the high rate of hate crimes against trans people.

“Trans rights are human rights and any attack on the trans community is an attack on us all,” he said.

“The antidote to this is the building of real movements of solidarity on the streets and across society to fight for queer and trans liberation and challenge transphobia in all its guises, and demand free transition-related healthcare based on informed consent through an All-Ireland National Health Service that treats trans people with dignity.

“Come along to take part in a discussion on how we ensure trans rights are fully realised and protected.”

All are welcome to attend the meeting in-person or online. People Before Profit Galway’s social media pages will have details of the online streaming.

Galway photographer wins national competition with stunning image

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August 7, 2022

Milkyway-Pano-Pine-Island-915x690 — MIlky Way Arch over Pine Island. Photo Credit: Felix Sproll

Galway photographer Felix Sproll claimed the top prize at the annual Reach For the Stars astrophotography competition for his incredible image of the night sky.

Felix was chosen as one of two overall winners of the competition for his stunning picture capturing the Milky Way in a clear night sky over Pine Island at Derryclare Lough in Connemara.

The ‘Milky Way Arch over Pine Island’ came out in top in the ‘Back on Earth’ category of the competition, which is run by the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies.

“It was great to win as there was a very high standard of images this year,” Felix said.

“It’s tough to get astro pictures here in Ireland with all the wind, rain, and clouds, so it’s great to have a competition like this in Ireland where there’s a level playing field.”

Professor Peter Gallagher, Head of Astrophysics at DIAS and a member of the judging panel for ‘Reach for the Stars’ said, “Felix’s image capturing the iconic Pine Island in Connemara, with the Milky Way sparkling overhead is a beautiful shot and shows Ireland at its very best.”

“There is something very magical about this image – with the light from the moon rising over the town in the backdrop. It really blew us away, and it’s obvious Felix has a very keen eye for detail.”

One of two runners up in this category was Aisling McGuire from Moyard, Co. Galway for her submission, ‘The Bens Under the Milky Way’.

Felix added that it was great to see two Galwegians coming on top in the same category, and that their two photos were taken on the same night, not far from each other.

All of the photos entered into Reach for the Stars can be viewed online at https://reachforthestars.ie, and an outdoor exhibition of the pieces will be held DIAS’s premises in Dublin from August 12.

The other big winners of the competition were Tom Dineen and Raluca Dana Lica, who claimed first prize in the ‘Out of this World’ category.

Their winning image ‘A Fiery Rosette’ captured the Rosette Nebula – an emission nebula in the constellation of Monoceros, located about 5,200 light-years away from Earth.

The image data was captured by Raluca in her backyard in Naas town, Co. Kildare, over 11 nights, with Tom completing the image processing.

Anthony Lynch from Dublin scooped the top prize in the Public Choice category with his photo of the International Space Station flying past the sun.

And a special School of Cosmic Physics 75th Anniversary Prize was also awarded to Sean O’Riordan from Kilmallock, Limerick for his image ‘Zodiacal Light above Cliffs of Moher’.

The winners were selected by a judging panel following a rigorous judging process of over 180 entries.

In addition to Prof. Peter Gallagher, the judging panel included Brenda Fitzsimons, Picture Editor, The Irish Times; John Flannery, Vice-President, Irish Astronomical Society; and Niamh Breathnach, Director, Alice PR & Events.

Commenting on the competition overall, Brenda Fitzsimons, Picture Editor, The Irish Times, said: “From glistening Galaxies to tranquil landscapes, the combination of science and serene captured in these breath-taking images were a pleasure to judge.”

Met Eireann issues weather advisory as heatwave forecast

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August 7, 2022

Met Eireann have issued a weather advisory for a summer heatwave next week, with temperatures in the high 20s expected from mid-week.

“Ireland will experience a hot spell developing from Wednesday and continuing through the rest of the week and the weekend,” the advisory states.

“Daytime temperatures will widely reach the mid to high twenties. Remaining uncomfortably warm overnight too.”

The weather advisory covers all of next week, until Monday August 15.

Met Eireann has said that further updates on the expected heatwave will follow.

During a brief heatwave in July, temperatures in Galway hit 30 degrees in places.

Motorway closure near Ballinasloe on Monday

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August 7, 2022

The M6 motorway will be closed near Ballinasloe on Monday in order to allow roadworks to take place.

On the M6 Eastbound near Junction 14 Ballinasloe, a section of road pavement needs to be replaced in order for a lane to be reopened to traffic.

Repair works are due to take place from 6am to 9pm on Monday, August 8.

In order to facilitate these works, the eastbound motorway will be closed between Junctions 14 and 13.

Diversions will be in place for traffic during this time, as pictured below.

Picture: Galway County Council via facebook

Festival cancelled due to tragic news in the community

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August 7, 2022

Galway Daily news Festival cancelled due to tragic news in the community

Events in the Dunmore Annual Festival which were due to take place today have been cancelled due to tragedy in the community.

The Festival announced on Saturday afternoon that the cancellation was due to tragic news in the town that day, but did not go into details.

Several events which were due to take place on Saturday were cancelled, as are the sports day, bingo and car treasure hunt which were due to take place today.

“Due to the extremely sad news in Dunmore today. The Road Bowling ,Festival Finish line Finale, Fireworks scheduled for this evening, Sports Day, Bingo and the Car treasure hunt scheduled for tomorrow afternoon are cancelled.”

“Our thoughts are with the family at this time,” the announcement on Facebook stated.

Funding awarded for 11 library support projects in Galway

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August 7, 2022

Galway daily news Funding awarded for 11 library support projects in Galway

Galway has been awarded €53,205 in funding for eleven library support projects helping immigrant families, people with autism, visual impairments, and more.

Minister Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys this week announced a total of €700,000 for library support programmes.

The funding, under the Dormant Accounts Action Plan, is designed to assist libraries in reaching out to older people, children from disadvantaged communities, people with disabilities and other marginalised groups.

This year, a number of libraries also submitted projects designed to reach out to Ukrainian families who are living in Ireland after fleeing the war.

“The sort of innovative projects that are being funded under this initiative will create a more welcoming and engaging library experience for thousands of people,” Heather Humphreys said.

“They will put our libraries at the forefront of reaching out to all members of the local community in which they serve.”

Minister of State Joe O’Brien added, “The projects are diverse in nature and target a multiplicity of groups including the Traveller community, Ukrainians displaced by war, residents of Direct Provision Centres and the elderly.”

“There is also funding for groups working to provide autism supports, and groups working with hearing and visually impaired communities, prisoners and people with learning differences such as dyslexia.”

“This funding package will build on the excellent projects which have been delivered over the past three years and also help our public libraries to continue to foster community well-being and build community cohesion in their role as community hubs.”

The full list of projects in Galway being funded under the scheme is:

Lego Play4All – Play therapy for children with autism or sensory needs – €7,312.50
Postcards from the Edge: Intercultural storytelling project – A project that aims to build a sense of community between immigrants and long term residents – €3,060
Reading Journeys ASD Book Club – Funding will be used to hire a book club facilitator as a social outlet for adults with ASD – €9,270
Code Camp – Coding sessions for disadvantaged communities and Ukrainian refugees – €6,513.75
Welcome Notes – Music therapy and supports for adults with intellectual disabilities – €8,437.50
Fierce Close – Workshops on critical thinking and climate activism for DEIS schools and early school leavers – €5,904
C-PENs – Nine C-PEN scanner readers for the visually impaired, those with disabilities, and people learning English – €2,470.50
Wayfinding signage – Additional signage in Galway City Library to help those with dementia or visual impairments – €2,819.88
TTRS – Touch, Type, Read & Spell – 1,000 software licences to help students learn pronunciation – €3,483
LOTE Licence – One year subscription to Languages Other Than English for translating e-books – €2,475
Nessy – One year for 300 licences to literacy support software for to help those with dyslexia, and others.

Galway researcher using sugar to protect medical devices

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August 7, 2022

0803-plastic — Dr Joseph Byrne holding a polymer hydrogel, like those being developed in this research. Photo Credit: Aengus McMahon.

Researchers at NUI Galway have potentially found a novel approach to stopping medical devices from picking up infectious bacteria that pose a danger to patients.

The SUGARCOAT project is investigating how attaching sugar molecules to plastics could give medical devices a new layer of protection from infection.

A collaboration between NUI Galway and Queen’s University Belfast, it aims to tackle the issue of hospital acquired infections associated with devices.

The team is creating fluorescent materials which glow at first, before darkening when they become compromised by bacteria.

The technology would be attached to plastics which coat medical devices, such as urinary catheters or endotracheal tubes, allowing clinicians to spot potential infection at an early opportunity and react faster.

Dr Joseph Byrne, leading the project in Galway said, “Prevention of bacterial infections is key to fighting the challenge of antimicrobial resistance”.

“If this isn’t possible, then early detection through innovative sensing materials could act as an alarm, allowing devices to be removed and replaced before infection becomes a more serious risk to patient health.”

Medical device-associated infections account for up to half of healthcare-associated infections, and people who are immunocompromised or have cystic fibrosis are particularly at risk.

This requires longer stays in hospital, and more antibiotic usage to combat, leading to the growth of antibiotic resistant bacteria.

It is estimated that across EU/EEA countries, 33,000 deaths per year are a result of antibiotic resistant bugs.

This project hopes to minimise the impact of this challenge by producing innovative coatings, which will prevent or detect bacterial build-up on widely-used medical devices before they lead to infection in a patient.

Prof Byrne added “Hospital-acquired bacterial infections are a major issue across the entire island of Ireland, and I’m excited to forge a new and lasting relationship with counterparts in Belfast to deliver meaningful new tools in fighting this challenge.”

The project is being supported with €193,000 from the Government’s Shared Island initiative.

Plans submitted for new Moycullen Primary School

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August 6, 2022