Falling temperatures and weekend rain mark weather for rest of the week

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July 20, 2022

Galway Daily news Additional Dog fines will have little effect without more Dog Wardens

The Residential Tenancies Board is not functioning properly, and is creating angst among landlords a Galway TD has said.

Speaking in the Dáil, Deputy Seán Canney said that he has received multiple complaints from landlords about the RTB in recent months about payment and registration systems not working.

“People find the payment system to be cumbersome and they say it is failing because properties are not being registered. If a cheque is sent in, the board denies that it was received.”

“If the fee is paid online, the payment is taken from landlords’ accounts but does not seem to be arriving in the RTB account or the system does not show that the landlords have conformed by paying their fee.”

“The RTB should do things properly. The board brought in a new system that it cannot use so how can it expect landlords to use it,” Seán Canney said.

The Residential Tenancies Board has also changed its rules from April, so that the tenancy registration fee now has to be paid annually, as opposed to every three years.

The Galway East TD was speaking during debate on the private members Rent Reduction Bill.

At the start of his contribution, Deputy Canney acknowledged that he has a vested interest, as he rents out a property, but said that rents do need to be regulated.

He said that establishing a rent authority would be a boon to renters and landlords, as it would allow someone with a “fair-minded view” to ensure that rents are fair, and that landlords wouldn’t be forced out of the market.

He also warned that the current high demand for any rental property in Galway is creating a “false economy”, with rents which are not sustainable.

“Rents should be based on some sort of indexation so that rates do not fire ahead when supply becomes tight.”

Galway bars shortlisted for the Best in Ireland

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July 20, 2022

galway daily news Expansion plans for popular city centre pub

Fifteen bars of all types in Galway city and county have been shortlisted for the 2022 Bar of the Year awards.

Now in their 17th year, the awards celebrate all that is great about Irish pubs, clubs and bars, showcasing the high standards of the Licensed Trade across the country.

The shortlists for 26 categories have been chosen by a panel of judges from 500 entries, and the winners will selected by public voting.

In Galway, the HYDE Bar on Forster Street is in the running for Hotel Bar of the Year, and Bar an Chaladh in Woodquay has been shortlisted for Traditional Bar category.

McSwiggan’s, also in Woodquay, and Bia & Co Gastro Bar and Restaurant, located in the Claregalway Hotel are in for Restaurant Bar of the Year.

Similarly, both 1520 and The Quays in the hopping Latin Quarter have made the shortlist for Tourist Bar of the Year.

For the City Bar of the Year category, both An Pucán and The Front Door are in the running, while Tom Sheridan’s bar & restaurant is up for Local Bar of the Year.

The Liquor Lounge, upstairs at the Dáil Bar is on the shortlist for Cocktail Bar of the Year, and Blake’s Corner Bar has some of the best Bar Food in Ireland.

It’s in sports that Galway really hits a home run, with The Cellar Bar, An Pucán and Seven all up for Best Bar to Watch the Match.

For specialising in a drink, Sonny Molloy’s is nominated for best Whiskey Bar, and both HYDE Bar and Tigh Nora on Cross Street are in the best Gin Bar category.

The Front Door and The Quays are once again nominated for Late Bar / Nightclub of the Year, and The Quays is also shortlisted for Best Live Entertainment.

For people who enjoy a drink in the sun, An Pucán with its vibrant green beer garden is shortlisted for Best Outdoor Space.

And lastly McSwiggan’s claims another two nominations for Best Wine Bar and Outstanding Customer Service.

The winner of the 2022 Bar of the Year awards will be announced on Monday, August 22 at the Clayton Hotel in Dublin.

Mayoral reception for All-Ireland winning Minor Football team

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July 20, 2022

Galway daily news Mayoral reception for All-Ireland winning Minor Football team

A Mayoral reception was held in Galway City this week for the triumphant Minor Football team, who claimed the All-Ireland title.

The reception on Monday was to celebrate the historic achievement of the Galway team, who won the Tom Markham cup on July 8.

The Mayor of Galway City, Councillor Clodagh Higgins, acknowledged the outstanding sporting achievements of the team at the event, and praised their teamwork and dedication.

Speaking at the event, she said “Your achievement is the result of many hours spent on the pitch, honing your skills, and building your fitness and athleticism.”

“You have donned the county colours, and taken the good with the bad, to come out triumphant – All-Ireland Champions.”

“You are role models for the young boys and girls following in your footsteps, playing football across the City and County. You have done your City and County proud.”

The Mayor recognised the achievements of the Manager Alan Glynn, the Management Team, and the families of the players for their support.

The Minor Football Team Manager Alan Glynn, Team Co-Captain Eanna Monaghan; and Mìcheal Geraghty, Galway Football Board Chairman, also spoke on the day.

Now its up to the Senior Football team to see if Galway can claim both titles this year, as they will face off against Kerry in Croke Park this Sunday.

The match will be screened at the Heineken Big Top in a free, but ticketed event this weekend, giving a big screen for all the supporters who can’t make it to Dublin.

Revealed: The seven Galway AIB branches to go cashless from October

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July 19, 2022

galway daily news AIN abandons plans for cashless banks

Seven AIB branches in Co. Galway will be made cashless from October 21 with the bank claiming the demand for cash services is declining.

A total of 70 AIB branches across the country will go cashless this year beginning in September, and they will be repurposed to focus more on account opening, financial planning, mortgages, loans, savings and investments.

The bank is expanding its relationship with An Post in a move that will see customers being able to access more cash and cheque services in 920 post offices across the State.

The seven branches in Galway which will go cashless are Ballinasloe, Clifden, Gort, Galway, Oranmore, Salthill, Spiddal and The Lab.

The decision comes as the bank tries to win over some of the 1 million accounts that need to be moved as Ulster Bank and KBC wind down.

The bank said that despite the changes it will still have branches in 95% of the locations where Ulster Bank and KBC branches are closing.

A total of 207,721 new AIB bank accounts have been opened so far this year – a 110% increase on the same period last year.

Irish Rail announces extra trains for Sunday’s All-Ireland final

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July 19, 2022

Galway Daily news New timetable adds stops on Galway train services

Iarnród Éireann has announced extra services to accommodate passengers travelling to and from Dublin for the All-Ireland final on Sunday.

An extra train to Dublin Heuston will depart Galway on Sunday 24 July at 7.45am, as well as a return train at 7.50pm from Dublin Heuston to Galway.

Irish Rail says that at present, the services that have been scheduled from Kerry to Dublin are the only ones expected to operate.

Thousands of Galwegians will travel to the capital to see the Tribesmen take on the Kingdom, with the lads in maroon hoping to take home the Sam for the first time in 21 years.

Galway are aiming to win a tenth All-Ireland, which would make them only the third county to reach double figures in the all-time rankings.

But a decent Kerry side will be determined to win their first All-Ireland since 2014.

The two counties have met in the final on seven previous occasions, with Galway winning three and Kerry winning four.

Fundraiser set up to support Bearna Tidy Towns

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July 19, 2022

galway daily news bearna tidy towns fundraiser

Over €700 has been raised so far in a fundraiser which has been set up to raise money for Bearna Tidy Towns.

Over the past 18 months the Tidy Towns committee has purchased equipment such as a lawnmower and tools to maintain common areas in the village.

They have built benches, flower boxes, renovated and planted the ball alley and there are also insurance costs which ensure the volunteers are covered as they are out litter picking.

The campaign’s organiser Sandra Kavanagh said she thinks everyone will agree that the works carried out to date have had a big impact on the village, benefiting residents, businesses and visitors.

“We announced a couple of months ago that we were fortunate to have been granted a grant by the Heritage council to significantly restore Tobar Eanna,” she said.

“This involves restoring the stone boundary wall, replacing a missing gate, information signage, replacement of gravel and other works, all of which will cost close to 13,000. The grant will cover 10,000 of this which will leave us with a shortfall of 3,000.

“In addition to this we hope to raise funds to continue our improvements in the village in the next 12 months.

“We appreciate every euro donated, and every donation is a recognition that the local community is behind us in our efforts to improve the village.”

Donate to the GoFundMe campaign here.

Call for transformation of early years and school age care system

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July 19, 2022

Galway Daily news Over €75,000 awarded to 11 Galway youth services

Early Childhood Ireland has called on the Government to transform the Early Years and School Age Care system by including an ambitious five-year plan in Budget 2023.

The organisation, which has 236 members in Galway, said the planned introduction of core funding is an overdue but welcome commitment that will lead to more sustainable provision for children, staff, parents and providers.

However, they said that the government should announce a five-year public investment plan, with clear funding targets and key priorities for each year, if Budget 2023 is to deliver on promised transformation.

Frances Byrne, Director of Policy at Early Childhood Ireland, called on the government to be more ambitious in their plan for the Early Years and School Age Care sector, as years of chronic underinvestment means Ireland is playing catch-up with its EU counterparts.

“Don’t miss this milestone for our children. Ireland has lagged at the bottom of international public investment tables for decades, and this legacy of under-investment has had a severe impact.”

Ms Byrne said that parents in Galway pay some of the highest fees from take-home pay in the European Union.

“Providers, overly dependent on these fees, have operated precariously in a complex and fragile funding model.

“The average pay and conditions of staff in the sector remains poor, leading to continuing challenges in staff recruitment and retention, which in turn impact on the provision of consistent, high-quality care and education to our youngest citizens,” she said.

Budget 2023

Ms Byrne said for 2023 and beyond, a coherent multi-annual plan is needed to offer certainty to families, the workforce and operators in Galway.

“Quality care and education does not happen overnight. Long-term planning is essential for providers to invest in their people, their settings and to give parents security.

“Early Years and School Age Care cannot be allowed to totter from one year to the next, we need a plan that builds confidence for families and providers.

“This should be combined with an increase in Core Funding, which should take account of inflation and any agreed sector pay scales. We also ask that subsidies offered under the National Childcare Scheme are increased, and a national communications plan should be launched to promote the scheme to parents.”

Water outages to affect several Galway areas this week

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July 19, 2022

Galway Daily news Ballyconneelly water outages

The Mid-Galway water supply scheme will experience water outages this week due to high water demand and usage.

Irish Water says that demand for water in Tamplecross, Gurteen, Carrabane, Cahertinny, Caherhenryhoe, Attymon and Kiltullagh remains higher than previous years’ average daily demand.

The increase in demand will result in interruptions to supply, reduced water pressure and intermittent supply over the next 48 hours.

Galway County Council and Irish Water apologised for any inconvenience caused to people in the areas affected.

Eoin Hughes of Irish Water appealed to the public on the Mid Galway Water Supply Scheme to be mindful of how they use their water at home, as the temperatures remain high.

“We are appealing to customers to help conserve water by not running taps needlessly, taking showers instead of baths and to postpone using dishwashers and washing machines where possible,” he said.

“Further information on water conservation is available on our website at www.water/conserve.”

SF launches commission into ‘Future of Ireland’

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July 19, 2022

Galway Daily news Sinn Féin cancels Galway rally

Sinn Féin has officially launched its ‘Commission on the Future of Ireland’ with the party announcing that the inaugural People’s Assembly will take place in Belfast on October 12.

The Sinn Féin leadership agreed last summer to establish the commission, which they say is an ‘ambitious public, sectoral and private consultation’ on the future of the country.

The project will last for a year and a half, and will end with the publication of a commission report.

Sinn Féin’s party chairperson Declan Kearney has been appointed chair of the Commission and Senator Lynn Boylan will be deputy chair.

The Commission will accept submissions and hold both public and private engagements and actively seek contributions from all sections of society on this island and beyond.

The president of Sinn Féin, Mary Lou McDonald, said she is inviting everyone to be part of planning the future and that ‘the New Ireland is for Everyone – Have Your Say’ is the main pillar of the commission.

“This is an opportunity for citizens to have their say on the future of Ireland; our economy, our constitutional arrangements; political and democratic structures and governance; the role of the Irish government; the rights and equality agenda; the protection of minorities; future economic and public policy models and a future all-island public health service,” said Deputy McDonald.

“The Commission will seek to engage with the protestant, loyalist, and unionist section of our people.”

She said that the Commission on the Future of Ireland is also an opportunity for alternative proposals to be presented by those with different visions of Ireland.

This can be done privately as well as through a series of People’s Assemblies and these will be moderated by an independent chairperson.

“Women’s assemblies, youth assemblies and assemblies in Gaeltacht areas will also be convened,” added Deputy McDonald.

“There will be an online submissions’ portal on the party website to enable members of the public, community groups, businesses and others to submit their thoughts on the new Ireland to the Commission.”

Six rescued from Galway Bay after getting stranded

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July 19, 2022

Galway Daily news Lough Derg RNLI assist six people on cruiser run aground

Six people were rescued by Galway RNLI yesterday afternoon after a group got into difficulty in the Galway Bay waters trying to swim to shore.

After walking to Rabbit Island at low tide, the group became stranded by the incoming tide.

A member of the public spotted a member of the group getting into the water and attempting to swim back to shore, and immediately raised the alarm.

The volunteer crew at Galway RNLI were requested to launch their inshore Atlantic 85 class lifeboat at 5.30pm by the Irish Coast Guard.

The lifeboat helmed by David Oliver and with crew members Brian Niland, Martin Oliver and Cathal Byrne onboard, launched within minutes and made its way to the scene approximately ten minutes from the station.

Arriving on the scene, the lifeboat crew observed six people in the water attempting to swim the quarter of a mile back to shore.

With one of the group struggling and in great difficulty, the crew first went to their rescue taking the casualty out of the water and bringing them safely onboard the lifeboat.

The crew then rescued the five others onto the lifeboat before returning them all safely back to shore at Murroogh House.

Speaking following the call-out, Barry Heskin, Galway RNLI Deputy Launching Authority said that time was of the essence, and praised the member of the public who had the foresight to raise the alarm.

He said they made a difference and helped to ensure that the crew was on scene at the right time.

“The group had walked out to Rabbit Island at low tide but then got stranded when the tide came in and their access to the mainland was cut off,” said Barry Heskin.

“It was when they attempted to swim back that they experienced difficulties. While one of the group was in danger, we were thankfully able to rescue them from the water in good time and no casualty care needed to be administered.

“We would like to wish the group well following what was a frightening experience for them.”

Barry said that before planning an activity on or near water, check the weather and tide times to ensure it is safe to proceed.

“When going out always carry a means of communication and let someone on the shore know where you are going and when you are due back,” he said.

“We are also experiencing some spring tides at the minute, and it is very easy for people to get cut off.

“If you do happen to become stranded, don’t attempt to swim to shore yourself, rather use your means of communication to call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard. And if you do get into difficulty in the water, try to float to live.

“To do this, lean back, using your arms and legs to stay afloat. Control your breathing, then call for help or swim to safety.”

Minister Humphreys visits Galway to open series of projects

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July 18, 2022

galway daily news heather humphreys opening the new playground in Castleblakeney, Co Galway — Minister Heather Humphreys opening the new playground in Castleblakeney, Co Galway

Minister Heather Humphreys has visited Galway to open a range of projects across the county which have received funding from the Department of Social Protection.

Minister Humphreys began the day in Portumna, where she visited Portumna Courthouse and viewed plans for the refurbishment and upgrade of the historic building.

The project is being supported with over €2.5 million under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.

Speaking at Portumna Courthouse, the Minister said that the project will be a flagship regeneration project that will restore the historic building and redevelop it as a state of the art, multipurpose centre for the community.

“This is a truly exciting regeneration project which will provide a much need resource for the community in Portumna,” she said.

The Minster then went to open Killimor Remote Working Hub, which received almost €25,000 in funding under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, and she viewed ‘The Walks’ in Loughrea, which showcases the only surviving functioning moat in Ireland.

The Minister also officially opened Castleblakeney Playground, which received €100,000 in funding under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, and made her final stop at Mountbellew for the official opening of a new Galway Rural Development Office.

TG4 to show 16 races live from Galway Races next weekend

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July 18, 2022

galway daily news tg4presenters at the galway races — Photo:Andrew Downes, Xposure.

TG4 will broadcast two days of racing from the Galway Races next weekend, with a total of 16 races shown live from Ballybrit on Friday and Saturday.

The live broadcast will be a welcome return to the racecourse for the Irish language broadcaster, after its successful coverage from the festival last year.

Rásaí Beo will be presented by Seán Bán Breathnach, with analysis by Mánus Ó Conghaile and Evelyn Ní Ghriallais.

Racing journalist Daragh Ó Conchúir will be getting all the reactions from trainers, owners and jockeys outside the parade ring and race commentary will be provided by Micheál Ó Sé.

The team will be providing the TG4 audience with comprehensive coverage from the racecourse and no doubt there will be some craic agus praoi to be had in Ballybrit as well.

Rásaí Beo is produced by Waterford based company Nemeton TV. The team in the An Rinn Gaeltacht also produce Laochra Gael, Peil na mBan Beo and GAA Beo for TG4.

In the lead up to the TG4’s coverage, presenter Caitlín Nic Aoidh will be visiting the famous racecourse and giving TG4 Social Media audiences exclusive behind the scenes access.

Galway Races Chief Executive, Michael Moloney, said that they are delighted to have the team from TG4 back again with us here at Galway Racecourse on both the Friday and Saturday of our Summer Festival.

“This year is an extra special one for us as we welcome the return of our much-valued racegoers back to Ballybrit. The stage is now set. A warm welcome awaits.”

TG4’s Head of Sport, Rónán Ó Coisdealbha said that over the last 18 months, horse racing has become an integral part of TG4’s sporting output.

“We are excited for Rásaí Beo to bring all the thrills and spills that come with this iconic festival to the viewers again,” he said.

“Above all, I look forward to all the racing action from the festival and to hearing the roar of the crowd as the winners come up the hill in Ballybrit. “

Full TG4 Galway Races schedule
FRIDAY 29^th JULY

Live coverage begins on TG4 at 5pm

1st Race :5.00pm The Guinness Galway Tribes Handicap Hurdle

2nd Race: 5.30pm The James’s Gate Irish EBF Median Auction Maiden

3rd Race: 6.00pm The Guinness Galway Blazers Handicap Steeplechase

4th Race: 6.35pm The Guinness Handicap

5th Race: 7.10pm The Guinness Irish EBF Fillies Maiden

6th Race: 7.40pm The Arthur Guinness Handicap

7th Race: 8.10pm The Rockshore Irish Lager Race

8th Race: 8.40pm The Hop House 13 Race

SATURDAY 30^th JULY

Live coverage begins on TG4 at 2pm

1st Race: 2.00pm The Boylesports Maiden Hurdle

2nd Race: 2.30pm The Boylesports Handicap Hurdle

3rd Race: 3.05pm The Boylesports Irish EBF Maiden

4th Race: 3.40pm The Bathshack Maiden

5th Race: 4.15pm The Grá Chocolates Maiden

6th Race: 4.45pm The Ardilaun Hotel Handicap

7th Race: 5.20pm The McDonogh Capital Investments Handicap

8th Race: 5.55pm The BoyleSports Irish EBF Mares Flat Race

Clarinbridge Camogie Club announces new sponsor

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July 18, 2022

galway daily news clarinbridge camogie club's new sponsor sei bella salon in galway — At the announcement of Sei Bella Hair Design Ornamore's sponsorship of the Clarinbridge Camogie Senior Team were seated Audrey Craughwell (left) owner of Sei Bella Hair Design, Audrey Carr chairperson of Clarinbridge Camogie Club with players Amy Hooban, Rachel Bannon and Carrie Dolan. Also in the photo are Cathy Kelly, David O'Toole and Emma Lynskey from the Sei Bella Hair Design team. Photo: -Mike Shaughnessy

Sei Bella Hair Design in Oranmore has been announced as the new main sponsor of Clarinbridge Camogie Club.

Owned and operated by Audrey Craughwell, Sei Bella is a luxurious hair salon with skilled stylists who provide quality hairdressing in an elegant and relaxing environment.

Audrey Carr, Chair of Clarinbridge Camogie Club, said that the club is delighted to have a sponsor as prestigious as Sei Bella on board.

Audrey said that women’s sport is growing year-on-year, and the willingness of businesses such as Sei Bella to support our ladies shows that they are moving in the right direction in developing leaders and role models for future players.

“We are really looking forward to a future of sporting excellence, community engagement, personal development and fun, secured with the generous sponsorship of Audrey and her team,” she said.

Audrey Craughwell, owner of Sei Bella at Carraig Lair Shopping Centre in Oranmore, said they are delighted to become main sponsors of ‘one of the fastest-growing, most progressive clubs in Galway’.

“Women’s sport is developing in leaps and bounds and the progress that Clarinbridge has made, both at adult and juvenile level, reflects the dynamic, progressive approach of Sei Bella perfectly,” she said.

State of the art research ship RV Tom Crean arrives in Galway

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July 18, 2022

Galway Daily news State of the art RV Tom Crean research ship commissioned today

Ireland’s newest research vessel the RV Tom Crean has arrived in the country, and is currently docked at the Port of Galway.

The Marine Institute’s newest vessel will set off on its first survey towards the end of July. and then make its way to Dingle in advance of its official commissioning due to take place in Autumn.

After its commission, the ship will be based back in Galway, for the use of the Marine Institute, which is located in Oranmore.

The RV Tom Crean is named for the renowned seaman and explorer from Kerry who undertook three ground-breaking expeditions to the Antarctic in the early years of the 20th Century.

The research vessel will carry out a wide range of research, including expanded fisheries surveys, seabed mapping and marine spatial planning, climate change related research, environmental monitoring, it deep water surveys.

Outside of Irish waters, it will also be used to support increased marine research out in the Atlantic Ocean.

Paul Connolly, CEO of the Marine Institute said that this has been an extremely successful project, arriving on time, and on budget.

“We are delighted that Galway, is the vessels first stop in Irish waters ahead of its official launch and commissioning due to take place in Dingle, Kerry in Autumn.”

Along with the Marine Institute, the ship will also be used by other state agencies and universities to support their research.

“After the official commissioning, the RV Tom Crean will be based in Galway, and it will greatly enhance our capacity to undertake collaborative research and acquire the data and knowledge essential to sustainably manage our ocean resources.”

The ship was commissioned in 2019 to replace the now 26 year old RV Celtic Voyager, which which was Ireland’s first purpose-built research vessel in 1997.

The RV Tom Crean will be at sea for 300 operational days each year – heading to sea for at least 21 days at a time – and aims to accommodate up to 3000 scientist days annually and is designed to operate in harsh sea conditions.

It will also maintain and deploy weather buoys, observational infrastructure and the Institute’s Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV Holland I)

The vessel design incorporates the latest proven technologies to ensure that it operates as efficiently as possible, with reduced fuel consumption and minimising the vessel’s environmental impact and carbon footprint.

The ship was built at the Spanish shipyard Astilleros Armon Vigo S.A. after being designed by Norwegian company Skipsteknisk AS.

All-Ireland final to be shown on big screen at Heineken Big Top

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July 18, 2022

The All-Ireland football final between Galway and Kerry on Sunday will be shown on a big screen at Galway International Arts Festival’s Big Top.

The event will be ticketed, but free of charge, with further information to be posted to giaf.ie and galwaycity.ie as well as their social media channels.

Galway International Arts Festival (GIAF) and Galway City Council will screen the big match at the iconic venue in Fisheries Field, taking place on the final day of this year’s festival.

It will be the last event at the Big Top this year, after performances from The Stunning, Pixies, Jon Hopkins, The Academic, The Frames and The Flaming Lips as part of GIAF 2022.

Mayor Clodagh Higgins said that it is great to have this event in the iconic Heineken Big Top to celebrate the great achievement of the team, and wished them every success in the final.

“We have already celebrated a great Minor Football Team All-Ireland victory this month, and hopefully the Ladies Camogie team will book their place in the All-Ireland Final when they play on the 23^rd of July, and I wish them every success.

“My thanks to Galway City Council and Galway International Arts Festival for making this event happen.”

John Crumlish, CEO of Galway International Arts Festival, said that they are delighted to be working with Galway City Council to make this event happen.

“We have celebrated many great nights in the Heineken Big Top, but a victory for Galway in the All-Ireland final would go down as one of the best ever,” he said.

Tickets are available now and must be reserved in advance from giaf.ie. Demand for tickets is expected to be high, so tickets are limited to two per person.

Speeding driver turned down cul de sac, denied he was driving

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July 18, 2022

galway daily news Galway driver among worst speeding offences caught over Bank Holiday weekend

A caught doing more than twice the speed limit turned down a lonely cul de sac, and then tried to claim he hadn’t been driving the only car there.

Robert Reid (31), with an address on file at Teach Alaban, Castlegar on the Tuam Road, was convicted in his absence of multiple road traffic offences at Galway District Court after failing to turn up.

Garda Shane Lambe, the prosecuting Garda, said that he believed Reid was no longer in the jurisdiction, having gone to the UK.

Garda Lambe gave evidence that on June 5 of 2021, he was conducting a speed checkpoint on the Tuam Road when he clocked a car doing 117km/h in a 50km/hr zone.

The car turned down a side road, a cul de sac with only one home on it. Garda Lambe followed and found the car parked up outside a house, with the engine still warm.

Garda Lambe said that Reid eventually answered the door when he went to the house, but denied that he had been driving.

He also tried to claim that no-one ever drove that car, that it was always parked where the Garda found it.

Garda Lambe told the court that Reid was very drunk, and that he informed him that he would be impounding that car as there was no tax or insurance displayed.

The court heard that Reid had 30 previous convictions, the most recent of which were just over a week before this incident, when he received a two year disqualification from driving for road traffic offences.

Judge Mary Fahy convicted Reid in his absence of driving without insurance, driving without a licence, and failing to give information about who was driving.

He was fined a total of €500 for the no insurance and no licence conviction, and a bench warrant was issued for sentencing on the failure to provide information.

He was also disqualified from driving for a further two years, which Judge Fahy noted also applies in the UK.

Galway residents urged to conserve water amid heatwave

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July 18, 2022

People in Galway, particularly those living in the city, are being urged to conserve water amid the recent warm weather.

Irish Water has said that some water supplies are experiencing increased demand this weekend, as Ireland experiences its hottest days of summer.

Speaking about the developing situation, Irish Water’s Rónan Daly said that there is particular urgency on the west side of the city.

“We are appealing to the public in Galway and in particular the City area west of the Corrib, along with Barna, Moycullen and surrounding areas to be mindful of how they use their water at home, as the temperature continues to soar this weekend.”

“We are appealing to customers to help conserve water by not running taps needlessly, taking showers instead of baths and to postpone using dishwashers and washing machines where possible.”

Further information on water conservation is available on Irish Water’s website at www.water/conserve.

Temperatures in Galway are expected to hit over 30 degrees today in places, as all of Ireland is under a status yellow weather warning for high temperatures.

Slow delivery of Connemara ambulance base criticised

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July 18, 2022

galway daily news Planning application submitted for long awaited Ambulance Base in Recess — Pic: Gregory Clarke

The provision of an ambulance service in Connemara has been hamstrung by the lack of an ambulance base, multiple Galway TDs have said.

The National Ambulance Service confirmed last August that an additional ambulance, another emergency vehicle, and eleven staff would be provided to improve ambulance services in Connemara.

In November, it was announced that the Community Health Centre building in Recess had been chosen as the site of the new ambulance base for the region.

However, speaking in the Dáil several TDs for Galway West said that little progress has been made since then.

Deputy Catherine Connolly said that there “seems to have been no substance” to the promise to deliver an ambulance base for the region, and that more pressure needs to be applied.

Éamon Ó Cuív said that the additional staff and vehicles were delivered in “record time” between September and December, and that he was looking for a commitment from the Minister to get the base done.

Minister of State Frank Feighan said that the HSE is currently liaising with the county council on road access to the proposed ambulance base.

The Minister said that it is anticipated that a planning application for the project will be made in the third quarter of this year.

“In the interim, national ambulance service crews in north Connemara are being deployed from a base in Clifden.”

“This temporary measure will remain in place until works at the building in Recess are completed and the site becomes operational.”

The delivery of additional emergency services for the Connemara area was the result of a years-long campaign by the Connemara Ambulance Crisis Group.

Deputy Mairead Farrell said that campaigners had been fighting for this for a long time, and that the base is extremely important for the area.

“The Minister of State said there is a challenge in respect of waiting times. A challenge in this context can mean death for people in respect of waiting times.”

Deputy Ó Cuív both said that a commitment needs to be given that the timeline outlined by the Minister of State needs to be adhered to.

“Because there will be a minimum of at least three months after the application has been submitted before planning can be legally approved, and that is if there is no appeal?”

“Therefore, we need this to keep moving forward. It will be well into next year before this building is completed.”

Temperatures to hit over 30 degrees in Galway today

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July 18, 2022