Dominic Robertson-McCoy will be extending his stay with Connacht Rugby for another year at least, after extending his contract.
Connacht Rugby announced this week that the prop has signed a 12-month contract extension with the club.
Since signing for Connacht back in 2016 Dominic has gone on to make 72 appearances.
The New Zealand born prop is Irish qualified through his grandfather who hails from Drumgane, Mowhan, Co Armagh.
A deep sea coral discovered by NUI Galway researchers in the Atlantic Ocean contains a potential wonder chemical which that acts against the virus responsible for COVID-19.
The cauliflower coral, so named due to its colour, shape and structure, was found on the seabed about half a mile below the surface on the edge of Ireland’s continental shelf.
The sample has been found to contain a previously unknown chemical compound, which blocks the manufact
Professor Louise Allcock, Professor of Zoology at NUI Galway, said that while they didn’t set out to find this specifically, they were looking for corals due to their potential in bio-discovery.
“Nature never ceases to amaze – to think that a coral, which spends its life on the sea bed and is never exposed to viruses and diseases which affect humanity so profoundly, has the potential to influence treatments and therapies.”
“Drug development is a lengthy process, but the first step is finding the magic compounds with bio-reactivity in the laboratory.”
The chemical compound has been named “tuaimenal”, a portmanteau of “tuaim”, alluding to “tuaimneacha” as used in old Irish to describe the sounds of the sea, and “enal”, which is a chemistry term for a compound with an alkene aldehyde functional group.
Tuaimenal A was discovered to block the major enzyme of the Covid-19 virus, known as Main Protease, which is responsible for the manufacture of virus particles inside the infected cell.
The coral was found by the ROV Holland I remote submarine, deployed from the Marine Institute’s Celtic Explorer research ship.
Prof Allcock uses the submarine to search for deep-sea corals and sponges which may have novel chemical compounds with pharmaceutical potential as part of a research project funded by Science Foundation Ireland.
Dr Carolina De Marco Verissimo of the Molecular Parasitology Laboratory at NUI Galway carried out detailed study of the coral-derived Tuaimenal and how it interacts with the Covid-19 enzyme.
“Tuaimenal A represents what we term in science as a ‘lead compound’ – that is, a basic structure from which scientists can produce more potent and specific drugs that could be used for the treatment of Covid-19 and perhaps other viruses.”
The research into the chemical make-up of the cauliflower coral is being conducted in partnership with South Florida University in the US.
The Lough Derg RNLI Lifeboat came to the rescue of three people and a dog lost on a speedboat late at night near Portumna over the weekend.
Shortly before midnight on Sunday night, the Lough Derg Lifeboat was part of a multi-agency search for a white speedboat reported missing.
The 12ft boat, which was meant to dock at Portumna Harbour was reportedly missing with three people and a dog aboard.
Given the serious nature of the callout, the Irish Coast Guard Search and Rescue Helicopter team, Rescue 115, was tasked from their base at Shannon Airport.
Galway based Gardaí also responded to the emergency and were at Portumna Harbour, having been informed that this was the intended destination for the missing people.
As the lifeboat was launching, Valentia Coast Guard requested it go directly to Portumna Castle Harbour at the very northern end of the lake, as the Gardaí had been told that there may be speedboat adrift west of the bay.
Using on-board electronic navigation, RADAR, searchlights and local knowledge the lifeboat made way directly to Portumna Castle Harbour.
At 12.26am as the lifeboat approached Terryglass Bay, Valentia Coast Guard gave the RNLI volunteers a specific location to search.
Very quickly the lifeboat volunteers located three people and a dog on board a 12ft speedboat, all of whom were safe and unharmed.
They said that, having become disorientated and lost, they found themselves in the reeds out of sight of the harbour and out of fuel.
To ensure the lifeboat was attending the same people reported missing, Valentia Coast Guard requested the lifeboat let them know the name of the skipper at the scene.
The lifeboat took the speedboat on an alongside tow to Portumna Castle Harbour, where the casualties were met by Gardaí who checked that they were not in need of further assistance.
Peter Kennedy, Deputy Launching Authority at Lough Derg RNLI, advises boat users “to plan your passage so that you reach safe harbour before nightfall.”
“Carry a means of communication and let others know when you expect to arrive at your destination.”
“Carry sufficient lifejackets and ensure all on board are wearing theirs.”
Funding of up to €6,000 has been allocated to nine agricultural shows in Galway taking place this summer.
Shows in Athenry, Ballyconneely, Claregalway, Corradulla, Maam Cross, Ardrahan, Roundstone and Loughrea are among 119 across the country that will receive funding.
Announcing the total funding of €700,000 this morning, Minister Heather Humphreys said: “Between cattle best of breed, dog shows, sheep and poultry competitions, and music, the events are extremely popular and I’m delighted to support their return to the summer calendar.
“Our shows signals fun, energy and a sense of community – something for all the family. They are a shop window for what is produced locally and bring visitors from near and far.”
Minister Humphreys said that practically every weekend over the coming months there is an agricultural show on somewhere in Ireland.
“I urge people to get out, enjoy them and give them your full support,” she said.
Each show will attract funding in the region of €5,000 – €6,000, with funding based on vouched expenditure.
New research has shown the significant potential for Galway from the use of rooftop solar panels.
The study by MaREI, the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Energy, Climate and Marine, found that domestic rooftop solar panels could produce enough electricity to power one in four Irish Homes.
The research found that 56,605 homes in Galway have roof space and orientation suitable for ten solar panels (3.4KW).
It found that if all suitable homes in the county were to avail of this opportunity it would fulfil 21% of the county’s residential electricity demand.
There are over a million homes that could accommodate ten solar panels nationally. This has potential to meet 8% of the country’s renewable targets. In addition, it would save the average household €450 per year.
Outlining the findings Paul Deane, Senior Research Fellow in clean energy futures with the MaREI Centre in UCC, said: “Advances in solar technology and reductions in cost now make it a very attractive prospect for any homeowner.
“We don’t associate Ireland as a sunny country but there is sufficient sunlight shining on our Irish roofs to make a meaningful impact on electricity bills.
“By analysing every rooftop in Ireland for the first time we can reveal the scale of the potential. Putting ten solar panels (3.4KW) on every suitable home in Ireland can reduce 135,000 tonnes of C02 emissions and help Ireland meet 8% of its Renewable Electricity Target.”
He said that six solar panels on every suitable home would generate enough electricity to power 22% of homes and reduce emissions by 95,000 tonnes.
The research also shows that if every home was to maximise the potential of solar panels on every suitable home, it would provide some with savings of over €500 in electricity bills while delivering 19% of our renewable electricity target and producing 36% of all residential demand.
Around 24,000 homes have already begun the transition to solar but Paul Deane says there is much more potential for Ireland to generate significant amounts of solar energy.
Welcoming the findings ISEA CEO Conall Bolger said that rooftop solar has tremendous potential in Ireland and provides a hugely positive route for individuals to support climate action.
“With energy prices continuing to rise people can take greater control of their costs by investing in rooftop solar.
“Six solar panels on a suitable home in Dublin, for example, would save €380 on annual electricity bills with the system paying back for itself in 7 years.”
“A further exciting initiative commenced at the start of this month offers even greater benefits with homes finally compensated for unused solar energy that goes onto the national grid.
“Previously, any unused energy went to waste, now it will travel the network, powering someone else’s home with the green energy your home generated. Homeowners will receive compensation for this under what is called the Microgeneration Support Scheme.”
Homeowners can also benefit from a substantial grant from SEAI for installing solar PV.
“These measures in combination are a great incentive for people to place solar panels on their roof and ensure they are included in Ireland’s decarbonisation journey,” added Conall Bolger.
“While these grants are an excellent support, investing in solar technology may be unattainable for people who are currently experiencing fuel poverty.
“We believe the Government should introduce a means test and fully fund the installation of rooftop solar panels for people in fuel poverty. This would allow them to generate their own clean green power for decades to come and offer protection from volatile energy costs.”
GHR Consulting has been announced as Galway Chamber’s new HR partners, providing a range of events and expert seminars for members of the Chamber.
The Galway-based HR consultancy was set up in 2019 by Ruairi Guckian to assist SMEs with their HR duties but could not justify the expense of having an in-house HR department.
Existing clients are located nationwide and include Dubarry of Ireland, Tympany Medical, Perfuze, Midwest Fire and Security, and Carey Construction.
Speaking about the partnership, Galway Chamber CEO Kenny Deery said that the GHR Consulting team has a wealth of HR knowledge.
“In this current competitive staffing market it is so important to have strong HR policies and practices in place that will help you attract and retain team members, an area where Ruairi and his colleagues in GHR Consulting have a lot of expertise,” said Mr Deery.
“We are looking forward to helping bring that to the wider network of Galway Chamber through this partnership over the coming weeks and months.”
Ruairi Guckian, Managing Director of GHR Consulting, said that they are honoured to be recognised as the official HR partners of Galway Chamber, the voice of the Galway business community.
“By working with the Chamber we know that this will not just give us the opportunity to engage with this first class organisation directly, but also the wider network of businesses they represent throughout Galway,” he said.
“We understand that there are so many different HR related matters concerning businesses at the moment. From finding and retaining the right staff, developing and implementing a variety of different HR policies as well as to managing the move towards remote and hybrid working.
“These are some of the key issues occupying the minds of executives in Galway and around the rest of the country at the moment. Through our parentship with the Chamber we hope to be able to help provide some advice and guidance to these companies and organisations, helping to inform the HR landscape across the Galway business community.”
The 34th Galway Film Fleadh ended on Sunday after yet another outstanding festival featuring the best of Irish and international cinema.
The Fleadh moved back indoors at the Town Hall Theatre and the Pálás, with those in attendance able to see the best of Irish and international film premieres back where they belong.
The annual awards ceremony took place before the closing film Ukrainian-made Carol of the Bells.
The winner of Best Irish Film, in association with Danu Media was Lakelands, written, directed and produced by Robert Higgins & Patrick McGivney.
Lakelands won the Fleadh’s Best Marketplace Project Award in 2021 and returned to the Fleadh this year for its world premiere.
The film follows Cian, a young Gaelic footballer who struggles to comes to terms with a career-ending injury after an attack on a night out.
Cian undertakes a search for his own identity in a small town where Gaelic football is a religion, and identity is defined by what you can do on the pitch.
It features the directorial debuts of Robert Higgins and Patrick McGivney, and a cast of emerging Irish stars including Éanna Hardwicke (Vivarium, Normal People) and Danielle Galligan (Netflix’s Shadow and Bone).
Winning Best Irish First Feature was The Sparrow, written and directed by Michael Kinirons and produced by Alicia Ní Ghráinne.
The Sparrow follows Kevin Coyne (15) who lives in a dysfunctional household where grieving the death of his mother is forbidden by his father Larry, an ex-soldier.
Kevin is also used to living in his 18-year-old brother Robbie’s shadow, so he is surprised when 16-year-old Hanna, a newcomer to this West Cork parish, seems to prefer his company.
Nothing Compares won the best Irish documentary award on the night, directed by Kathryn Ferguson.
The film charts Sinéad OʼConnorʼs phenomenal rise to worldwide fame and examines how she used her voice at the height of her stardom.
Focusing on Sinéad’s prophetic words and deeds across a five-year period (1987–1992), Nothing Compares presents an authored, cinematic portrait of a musical icon through a contemporary feminist lens.
BEST INTERNATIONAL ANIMATION SHORT
Zoon
Directed by Jonathan Schwenk
BEST INTERNATIONAL FICTION SHORT
Too Rough
Directed by Sean Lionadh
BEST INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY SHORT
Nuisance Bear
Directed by Jack Weisman & Gabriela Oslo Vanden
BEST FIRST ANIMATION SHORT in association with Brown Bag Films
Soul Office
Directed by Ryan Loughran
Produced by Fiona McLaughlin, Tom Getty and Grace Loughrey
BEST IRISH FIRST SHORT FICTION
Homebird
Directed by Caleb J. Roberts
Produced by Brian J. Falconer, Callum Harrison and Jonathan Beer
THE DONAL GILLIGAN AWARD FOR CINEMATOGRAPHY IN A SHORT FILM in association with the Irish Society Cinematographers (ISC) supported by Celtic Grips presented by JOHN LEAHY
Burn It All
Directed by Jack Hickey
Produced by Lara Hickey
Cinematography by Phillip Blake
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY IN AN IRISH FILM in association with Teach Solais – presented BY CIAN DE BUTLÈIR
Tarrac
Cinematography by Patrick Jordan
BEST INTERNATIONAL FILM
The Score
Written & Directed by Malachi Smyth
BEST INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY
The Job of Song
Directed by Lila Schmitz
Produced by Fengy Xu and Anika Kan Grevstad
PERIPHERAL VISIONS AWARD
Bad Women
Directed by Niklas Lindgren
Written by Niklas Lindgren and Karolina Lindgren
Produced by Mila Haavisto
BEST HUMAN RIGHTS FILM in association with Amnesty international Presented BY Siddhi Joshi
Afghan Dreamers
Directed by David Greenwald
Produced by Beth Murphy & David Cowan
YOUNG AUDIENCE AWARD
Stay Awake
Director: Jamie Sisley
Writer: Jamie Sisley
Producers: Shrihari Sathe, Eric Schultz, Kelly Thomas & David Ariniello
PITCHING AWARD
Haven by Maureen O’Connell
BEST MARKETPLACE PROJECT AWARD in association with Bankside Films
Shoal
Clare Strong, Director
Jeanie Igoe, Producer
THE BIGHAM RAY NEW TALENT AWARD: in association with Magnolia Pictures PRESENTED BY KATE O’TOOLE
Joint Winners: Éanna Hardwicke and Danielle Galligan, Lakelands
BEST SHORT DOCUMENTARY in association with TG4 Presented by –
Winner: Call Me Mommy
Directed by Tara O’Callaghan
Produced by Aaron McEnaney, Louise Byrne and Ross Killeen
Best short documentary special mentions
Where Do All the Old Gays Go directed by Cathy Dunne and produced by Maggie Ryan and Cathy Dunne.
For the Birds directed by Ciarán O’ Connor, produced by Nuala Cunningham and Jen Dunbar
THE JAMES HORGAN AWARD FOR SHORT ANIMATION
Soul Office
Directed by Ryan Loughran
Produced by Fiona McLaughlin, Tom Getty and Grace Loughrey
THE TIERNAN MCBRIDE AWARD FOR BEST FICTION SHORT Drama in association with Network Ireland Television PRESENTED BY DERRY O’BRIEN
Wednesday’s Child
Directed by Laura O’Shea
Produced by Caroline Harvey and Charleigh Baileigh
BEST IRISH DOCUMENTARY
Nothing Compares
Director: Kathryn Ferguson
Writers: Kathryn Ferguson, Eleanor Emptage & Michael Mallie
Producers: Eleanor Emptage & Michael Mallie
BEST IRISH FIRST FEATURE in association with Saffery Champness – PRESENTED BY John Gleeson
The Sparrow
Written & Directed by Michael Kinirons
Produced by Alicia Ní Ghráinne
BEST IRISH FILM in association with Danu Media – PRESENTED BY SIOBHAN NI GHADHRA
Lakelands
Written, Directed and Produced by Robert Higgins & Patrick McGivney
National housing charity Threshold has welcomed the Government’s decision to curb short-term letting of non-principal private residences in Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs).
The plans mean that from 1 September next, online platforms will not be able to advertise properties in RPZs that do not have the requisite planning permission.
But the charity cautioned that this must be fully enforced and better regulated than they have been under 2019 legislation to address the problem.
Threshold chief executive John Mark McCafferty also noted that this is a temporary six-month measure until the Government devise a longer-term plan.
“We welcome this legislation, but it must be enforced, and behaviour needs to change, in order for more short-let properties to return to the longer-term rental market,” he said.
He said that the 2019 legislation on short terms lets hasn’t worked as very few hosts sought or received planning permission.
Short-lets still hugely outnumber the availability of long-term rentals for families and individuals.
“It is an important development that the rental platforms are now covered by the new legislation – they will not be able to advertise properties in RPZs which do not have the required planning permission,” said Mr McCafferty.
“We still have concerns for areas outside of RPZs where short-term lets might distort the local housing market in a significant way, as they are doing in some places right now.
“While this legislation is not a silver bullet for the supply of homes in the private rented sector, it will help in returning homes back to longer term rental, which is critical right now.”
Galway qualified for the All-Ireland Final after an impressive victory over Derry on Saturday at Croke Park.
Damien Comer scored both of Galway’s goals, guaranteeing the Tribesmen victory.
Kerry now awaits in the final after the Kingdom edged past Dublin on Sunday with the last kick of the game.
Galway East TD Anne Rabbitte has said that the First Home Scheme can be a game changer for first-time buyers in Galway.
The Fianna Fáil TD and Minister for State said that the scheme has the potential to make a real difference to those attempting to get on the property ladder.
Under the scheme, the State will provide part of the price of a new home alongside the buyer’s mortgage and deposit.
Minister Rabbitte said that this can bridge the gap between the price of a home and the current maximum a person or couple can rent depending on their income.
“I know from speaking with constituents across Galway East looking to buy their own home that they are keen to utilise such support, which will help bridge that gap between the funding and mortgage they have and what they need to get their dream home,” she said.
“The Help to Buy Scheme (HTB) can also be used alongside this scheme and could provide 20% of the price of the property going towards the buyer’s deposit.”
The maximum stake the state can take as equity under the First Home Scheme is 30% without the HTB, and 20% if the HTB is being used.
The scheme is available to first-time buyers and also gives fresh start exceptions to those who may have previously purchased a property if they have separated or experienced insolvency.
A ceremony has taken place in Galway city honouring Irish men and women who have died in past wars or with the United Nations Peacekeeping Missions.
The National Day of Commemoration takes place every year on the Sunday nearest July 11 – the anniversary of the truce that was signed ending the Irish War of Independence in 1921.
Galway city shares a significant relationship with the Defence Forces, as home to Dún Ui Mhaoilíosa Barracks in Renmore.
Due to the impacts of Covid-19, the ceremony was scaled back from arrangements in previous years.
The event was attended by the Deputy Mayor of Galway City Council, Councillor Mike Cubbard and members of the Defence Forces from Dún Ui Mhaoilíosa Barracks.
The Bishop of Galway, Michael Duignan and Cllr Terry O’Flaherty were also in attendance at the ceremony.
A wreath was laid by the Deputy Mayor to honour those who died in past wars or on service, at home or abroad.
Similar Ceremonies took place nationwide in Dublin, Limerick, Kilkenny, Cork, and Waterford.
A fundraiser raffle for My Lovely Horse Rescue will give away a townhouse in Dublin this month worth over €400,000, with tickets costing only €23.
The three-bedroom house is located in Dublin’s Royal Canal Park and has three floors, with the ground floor consisting of a kitchen, dining area, living room, and bathroom.
The first floor has one double and one single bedroom as well as a bathroom, while the second floor consists of a large double bedroom with an en suite and a separate storage room.
The grounds are impeccable, maintained to an exceptionally high standard and the home comes with free parking.
There is also free on-site gym membership with the gym a one-minute walk away, and there is a Centra, an Aldi and a restaurant in the complex.
The house will be awarded to one lucky winner if over 32,000 tickets are sold – but if this threshold is not met, the winner will receive a cash prize amounting to 50% of the total ticket revenue and the charity will keep the remaining balance.
The competition will end on 28 July 2022, or when the last ticket is sold, whichever comes sooner.
All legal costs and stamp duties will be paid, and the property will be mortgage free.
Tickets cost €23 and can be found here.
Take on the physical and mental challenges of The Kube to help raise money for Galway Hospice.
The Kube, a fun-filled, action-packed version of the popular ITV gameshow, is coming to Galway’s Clayton Hotel in October in aid of the local charity.
The Kube challenges contestants to complete simple physical and mental tasks inside a Perspex cube, with only the best and fastest progressing to the next round.
“As fans of the TV show will know, The Kube is a fun, fast-paced game that tests the wits of contestants and the nerves of the audience. It is guaranteed to be a fun night out for all,” said Charlene Hurley, Director of Fundraising & Communications at Galway Hospice.
The event was originally due to take place in March 2020 but had to be postponed due to Covid. All funds raised from The Kube challenge go to local Hospice services.
“Fundraising events like this are vital to helping Galway Hospice to care for patients and their families now and into the future,” Charlene added.
To sign up for The Kube for Galway Hospice or for more information, contact Fundraising on 091-770868 or fundraising@galwayhospice.ie.
A decision is due from the county council this week on plans for a major expansion of a secondary school in Connemara.
The GRETB is seeking planning permission for a two and three storey extension to Colaiste Cholmcille, located between Spiddal and Inverin.
The extension will comprise a central multi-functional social space located to the rear of the original school building, along with a proposed community hall, and central courtyard/social space.
A two storey wing of classrooms will wrap around the community hall and courtyard at a right angle, rising to three storeys where it
Colaiste Cholmcille currently has approximately 105 students enrolled, and employs 30 staff.
In April, the county council sought clarification from the GRETB on the capacity of the new wastewater treatment system to handle the expected growth in enrollment, and community usage of the school facilities.
The buildings currently on the site consist of the original 1955 school, along with two extensions added in 1995 and 2013.
A design statement for the project says that the new development respects the “scale and gravitas” of the original school.
There are also multiple prefab units in use, which will now be replaced by a permanent extension.
Two ancillary buildings on the site which date back to the 50s will also be demolished to make way for the new wing.
Other works in the project will involve creating new site entrances and internal roadway.
A car park with 45 spaces, along with a set down area, bicycles stands, and a ball court will also be built on site.
A decision is due from Galway County Council on this planning application this Thursday, July 14.
The kids and adults alike at Moyne Villa FC are eagerly looking forward to the delivery of their all weather pitch, now nearing completion after years of work.
The new pitch is just days away from delivery, with a view towards opening it for training and games by late August.
Plans were first submitted to the county council in 2018 to replace one existing pitch at the club with an all-weather AstroTurf equivalent.
Along with securing planning permission, the past three years has seen considerable work securing funding for the project from sporting bodies, along with fundraising in the community.
“It will be a game changer with its state of the art 4g all weather surface laid on both the main and training pitches,” Martin Hughes, club spokesperson said.
“Along with some wonderful viewing area’s where supporters young and old, will be quite literally right on top of the action and assessable to all.
He said that the new sports facility will be in high demand all year round.
Moyne Villa currently caters to some 600 members in the community, with players aged from 4 to 54 years old.
Along with the new pitch, the club also has another, full-size natural surface pitch, and a smaller AstroTurf pitch.
Marton Hughes said, “It was a major ambition of the Moyne Villa committee to give all children and adults, of all abilities the very best facilities at the club.”
He added that these will to allow the kids to, “learn and improve their skill sets, while having fun and being part of this wonderful community club.”
Industrial action by employees in community and care organisations will escalate unless the government addresses their demands, SIPTU has warned.
A protest by community workers took place in Eyre Square last Wednesday as part of pay dispute by community workers.
The protests in Galway, Cork, and Dublin were part of the Valuing Community campaign, which is supported by the ICTU, SIPTU, Fórsa and the INMO.
This followed a day of industrial action in Galway and elsewhere by members of the Irish Wheelchair Association.
SIPTU Public Administration and Community Division Organiser, Adrian Kane, said, “Many care and community sector workers have not had a pay rise in 14 years.”
“They are struggling to make ends meet in the face of a worsening cost of living crisis while also seeking to maintain services for some of our most vulnerable citizens.”
He said that the campaign of industrial action which began last week will not end until employees are treated with “the respect they deserve” by the government, which he said is ignoring their demands.
“Their demands are simple and the Government must engage with their unions and provide the organisations that employ them with funding so they can have a pay rise.”
“Without this not only do they suffer but the very existence of the services they provide is under threat due to workers leaving the sector and an inability to recruit new staff.”
“These workers have been forced to take action in their own interests and of those who depend on their services.”
He said that if the government continues to refuse to engage with unions, then the industrial action will “widen and intensify” over the summer and autumn.
“These workers will neither stay silent nor beg for justice any longer.”
There are no properties within Galway City which could be considered affordable to people making use of the HAP payment.
The Simon Communities latest quarterly Locked Out of the Market report found that, in June, there were just 37 rental properties available in Ireland that fell within HAP limits.
The bulk of these were within Dublin, and none of them could be found within Galway City Centre or suburbs.
“This is not unexpected, given the discretionary HAP limit extends to 50% in Dublin, while the rest of the country is limited to only 20%,” the Simon Communities said.
The Locked Out of the Market report examines the experience of people on a low income and dependent on Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) to access housing in the private rental market.
It considers the availability of properties within both the standard and discretionary HAP limits in 16 areas around the country for single people, a couple, a couple/one parent and one child, and a couple/one parent and two children.
The report found that that there was a 43% decline in the number of properties within the limit of the Housing Assistance Payment since March of this year.
The number of properties available to rent in the areas surveyed, at any price, had also fallen to 657, a decline of 11% since the March report.
Last Thursday, July 7, Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien signed new regulations increasing the HAP discretionary limit outside of Dublin to 35%.
Had this been in effect at the time of the study, it would have resulted in an additional five properties being available outside of the capital.
The Minister also increased the ingle adult HAP rate to match the couple’s rate, which would have made more properties available to single people.
Wayne Stanley, Head of Policy and Communications at the Simon Communities of Ireland, said that the lack of properties, and growing homelessness, is reaching unprecedented levels.
“In May we had 10,325 people in homeless emergency accommodation. These numbers are truly shocking.”
He said that the rates changes made by the Minister will “relieve some of the pressure” from people on the payment, and keep some vulnerable households out of homelessness.
“However, we also have to acknowledge the depth of the crisis in housing. That means we have to start looking for options that can create some breathing room in the housing system.”
He said that bringing even 3% a year of the 166,000 vacant homes identified in the latest census back into use, would create that headroom.
“In the coming budget, we will be calling on the government to make that level of commitment.”
Galway is going to cool of somewhat after a scorcher of a weekend, but temperatures will still stay in the high teens throughout the week.
Monday will be the hottest day of next week according to Met Eireann, as the end of out weekend heatwave sees temperatures as high as 18 to 23 degrees.
Hazy spells of sunshine in the early afternoon, but with cloud cover increasing in the afternoon.
Other than that, there will be a light variable breeze in the morning, veering southerly and becoming moderate in strength later in the day, with patchy rain developing overnight.
Tuesday will start off wet, with rain, heavy at times, in the very early morning, but this will clear up before the day really starts.
Expect cloudy skies for the most part, but with some spells of clear sunshine in the afternoon, and highest temperatures of 16 to 20 degrees.
Wednesday will start off bright and sunny for the morning, but with increasing cloud from midday onwards.
However, Met Eireann says that conditions will remain dry for the most part, aside from some patchy showers in coastal areas.
A light westerly breeze will turn moderate in strength as the day goes on. The heat should also be more manageable on Wednesday, with highest temps of 15 to 17 degrees.
Thursday will similarly be partly cloudy, but with sunny spells as well, and no rain forecast for now.
Another Galway TD has hit out at the chronic underfunding of Galway County Council, and the impact it is having on services.
Deputy Claire Kerrane said in the Dáil this week that the county council does not have the budget needed for fundamental services, and is sitting far below other counties.
“Galway is the second largest county in Ireland, yet it is at the bottom of the table year on year when it comes to central Government funding. Despite my raising this matter numerous times, nobody can tell me why.”
NUI Galway launched a 2022 local authority finances website this week, showing that Galway County Council has a budget of €144 million this year, the equivalent of €802 per person.
In comparison, Mayo has a budget of €1,256 per person, Clare has a budget of €1,167, and Tipperary County Council has a budget of €1,217, Deputy Kerrane emphasised.
The Sinn Féin TD highlighted that Galway is both larger than all of those counties, and has a far higher population.
“It is towns like Ballinasloe and villages from Ahascragh to Ballymoe and the people who in County Galway that are losing out,” Claire Kerrane said.
“They do not have the budget to do what they need to do in respect of housing, water and roads. This issue needs to be addressed.”
The biggest deficit in council spending in Galway shown by the NUI Galway figures is in local authority housing, where the County Council has budgeted €17.17m this year, or €95.71 per person, compared with a national average of €480.97 per person.
The previous week, Deputy Ciarán Cannon said that the chronic underfunding of Galway County Council meant that enforcement actions in the planning department were virtually non-existent.
He highlighted that the number of people employed by the council has fallen to 804, down from 1,006 staff members in 2008, a number far below many other councils.
Twelve new Gardaí have been assigned to the North-Western Region headquartered in Galway from the class newly sworn this week.
A total of 53 Gardaí were newly attested this week, bringing the total number of new members sworn in this year to date to 370.
Of the new recruits, three quarters were men and one quarter female, and eight were born outside of the state in England, Iraq, Poland, Russia, Mauritius, Kazakstan.
The allocation to the North-Western Region from the latest class was the largest after Dublin (26), with another nine officers going to the Eastern Region, and seven to the South.
The North-Western Region is headquartered at Murrough in Galway City, and includes the Galway, Mayo/Roscommon/Longford, Cavan/Monaghan, and Donegal/Sligo/Leitrim divisions.
The allocation of Probationer Gardaí is initially to Training Garda Stations and also allows for consequential inter-divisional transfers of other members.
A further 26 Garda recruits, who applied through the 2018 recruitment campaign, are currently undergoing the blended training programme at the Garda College.
An Garda Síochána states that a further 872 sworn Garda members had been reassigned to operational duties as of the end of May, as a result of hiring more civilian staff for administrative roles.
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