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

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July 27, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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July 27, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OPW Minister visits Headford with group of TDs and councillors

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July 27, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Call for new banking model for SMEs and personal customers

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July 27, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Galway has Ireland’s 3rd highest number of charities

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July 26, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Plans submitted for Tuam housing development

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July 26, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Funding to expand opening hours at three Galway libraries

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July 26, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More than 50 people on trolleys at UHG today

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July 26, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

Speed cameras go live at two new Galway locations

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July 26, 2022

Galway Daily news Increase in use of speed cameras on roads

Two new speed camera zones have gone live in Galway as of this morning.

Gardaí have introduced new mobile camera zones in 23 counties, at locations where there have been serious collisions.

The camre zones in Galway can be found on the R446 at Ballinalsoe, where there have been two serious collisions according to Gardaí.

The other location is on the R364 regional road to the north and south of Kilkerrin, where there have been two collisions lately.

In total 61 new camera zones have been introduced around the country as of today, bringing the total number in Ireland to 1,373.

The locations of all speed camera zones in Ireland can be found on the Garda website at: https://garda.ie/en/roads-policing/safety-camera-locations/.

Galway wastewater facilities ‘endangering locals’ says local PBP rep

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July 26, 2022

Claddagh Nun, the Long Walk, Galway (Photo by Jonathan Curran, February 2012)

A local People Before Profit representative has demanded that the release of wastewater into the Claddagh be ceased immediately.

The call comes after photographs of wastewater, which was seen entering the Claddagh Basin on Sunday, surfaced on social media.

PBP Galway representative Adrian Curran said that the issue has been going on for years.

He said this shows Galway City Council has caused Ireland to be in violation of the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations and that it introduces a serious public health issue.

“In the current climate and biodiversity crisis, it is essential we do everything to protect these important species and their habitats.”

On what action needs to be taken, Curran said that a complete investment in a significant upgrade of wastewater facilities is needed in Galway.

“Improvements in Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems and facilitating more green spaces to prevent excess water build up.

“The law must also be changed, or at least better enforced, preventing these events from happening in the first place. The local government must step up and protect our natural resources.”

Galway man to take on 113 km Ironman race for worthy cause

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July 25, 2022

Galway man Peter Crowe will undertake a gruelling 113 km Ironman race in Salalah, Oman in September to raise funds for The Bow Foundation.

The foundation is a charity focused on supporting families impacted by GNAO1 – rare neurodevelopmental disorder currently only known in approximately 250 children globally.

The money raised will also go towards funding research and raising awareness about the neurodevelopmental disorder.

Peter’s friends’ son Rian is affected by the rare condition, meaning it is a cause which is close to his heart.

Rian, who is nearly two, had his first seizure when he was just two months old. Multiple tests such as EEGs, MRI, spinal tap, multiple blood tests, and finally, whole genome genetic testing led to the discovery of his GNAO1 mutation.

It is a relatively new condition, with the first case being discovered in 2013. The most common initial symptoms of GNAO1 include low muscle tone (hypotonia), not meeting developmental milestones, seizures, difficulty feeding and abnormal involuntary movements.

As there is no known cure, numerous medications are used in an attempt to manage symptoms. Most GNAO1 patients are non-verbal and wheelchair dependent. The Bow Foundation funds groundbreaking research across the globe for GNAO1 warriors and their families.

Their current research includes exploring gene therapy treatment that could either supplement or silence and replace the faulty GNAO1 genes that trigger symptoms in patients.

One hundred percent of the funds raised from this will be donated directly to The Bow Foundation after the race is complete. All travel, race, personal expenses etc. will be covered by Peter.

Call for investigation into potential bid-rigging of public works contracts

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July 25, 2022

Galway Daily news Freedom of Information

Galway West TD Mairéad Farrell has called on Minister Michael McGrath to request an investigation into potential bid-rigging of public works contracts.

The call comes after the Spanish Competition Authority issued fines of over €200m to six major construction companies for colluding on bids for public contracts.

Five of the companies are heavily involved in Irish public-private partnership projects, particularly motorways.

Bid-rigging is a form of collusive behaviour by contractors to increase the price of a contract or to allow a pre-selected contractor to win a competition for a building project.

It is a practice described by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) as ‘a serious form of anti-competitive behaviour’.

Reuters reported that the six companies met on a weekly basis from 1992 to 2017 to discuss the projects they were planning to bid for, and to coordinate strategy.

Deputy Farrell said that given the significant involvement of these companies in Irish infrastructure projects, we have to question whether this practice was taking place here.

“This practice pushes up the prices for public works contracts, and given the large amount of spending which has been outlined in the National Development Plan (NDP), it poses significant fiscal risks.”

She said that our Competition Authority has been pointing out since the 1990s that bid-rigging is a serious concern here, and it sought more powers in the 90s to deal with this, which were granted.

“Its powers were also further enhanced in the last few years. But the difficulty for Ireland dealing with this is that the state’s characteristics make us particularly vulnerable to this practice,” said Deputy Farrell.

“Characteristics like a limited number of alternative suppliers, high barriers to entry, opportunities for repeated interactions among competitors, active trade associations which can be used, either wittingly or unwittingly, to facilitate coordination amongst competing firms, and close connections between political parties and certain industries.

“I am now calling on Minister McGrath to request the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) to investigate this matter.”

Galway Races to cap off €100 million month for city and county

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July 25, 2022

Galway Daily news Galway Races won't be open to the public, if they take place at all

The Galway Races this week will round off a €100 million month for Galway, according to estimates from the Galway Chamber.

A range of cultural and tourism events have taken place in Galway over the past few weeks including the Galway Film Fleadh and the Galway International Arts Festival.

And it is believed that the Galway Races this week will attract 130,000 people to the region, contributing over €58 million to the local economy.

Galway Chamber estimates that €23 million will be spent in the immediate locality on hospitality, entertainment, travel and accommodation.

There was a bumper attendance at the Galway International Arts Festival this year with the weekend of July 15 to 17 described as ‘the busiest ever’.

“This has been a tremendous month of activity for Galway, which is now set to finish off with the full return of the Galway Races,” said Kenny Deery, Chief Executive of Galway Chamber.

“It hasn’t been possible to properly enjoy these various events over the last couple of years due to the necessary precautions taken for the pandemic.

“However with the health situation now improved people have wanted to get back to these much cherished events and they have certainly done that this year.”

Kenny Deery said the boost has been felt throughout July all across Galway, with greater tourist activity beginning with the Galway Film Fleadh and then really ramping up with the Galway International Arts Festival.

“Such was the quality and diversity of the line-up this year we had tourists flocking to Galway from all over Ireland and beyond to enjoy the delights of the festival,” he said.

“Of course the Galway Races will represent the culmination of this all activity and we are really excited to have the ‘buzz’ generated by the races back once more. The races are one of the key cultural and social highlights of the Irish summer and it is a great relief to see its return.

“Whether it is the race goers flocking to Ballybrit, or the crowds of people enjoying their post racing socialising, the Galway Races have always brought something special to our city and county.

“There will be tremendous energy throughout Galway City and County during race week and we all know how people travel from far and wide to attend.”

Appeal lodged against rejection of 24m high mobile mast

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July 25, 2022

Galway Daily news Planning refused again for Galway City mobile tower

The City Council’s refusal of planning permission for a 24m high mobile telecoms mast on the west side of the city is being appealed to An Bord Pleanála.

Vantage Towers Ltd sought approval from the council for a 24m high lattice telecoms tower off the Cappagh Road, north of the junction with the Western Distributor Road.

The plans were rejected by Galway City Council last month, due to the proximity of the site to the proposed N6 Ring Road route, an issue which was also raised by Transport Infrastructure Ireland.

“If permitted, the proximity of the proposed development will prejudice the plans for the delivery of this scheme and materially contravene the policy of the Galway City Development Plan 2017 – 2023,” the council’s decision said.

That decision has now been appealed to An Bord Pleanála, which is due to rule on the case by November 14 of this year.

In seeking approval for the mast, Vantage Towers said that it was necessary as the existing monopole mast on the site is being decommissioned.

The plans said that the application is specifically on behalf of Vodafone, but that the mast would also be of use for Eir and Three.

Údarás na Gealteachta backs creation of 100 jobs in Galway, Donegal & Kerry

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July 25, 2022

Galway Daily news Two Galway women appointed to Board of Údarás na Gaeltachta

Údarás na Gaeltachta has given the green light to projects that will create 100 jobs among companies in Galway, Donegal, and Kerry.

The projects were approved by the Board of Údarás during a recent meeting held on Toraigh (Tory Island) for the first time.

These projects lead to the creation of 100 fulltime jobs and entail significant investment in the Gaeltacht areas when they come to fruition.

The meeting was also the last of outgoing chief executive, Mícheál Ó hÉanaigh, whose contractual term comes to an end on August 31.

Board chairperson Anna Ní Ghallachair said that the chief executive had done great work during the previous five years, and that the results of this hard work would be evident across the Gaeltacht for years to come.

She praised Mr Ó hÉanaigh for broadening the scope of Údarás’ work, including connecting with the Gaeltact diaspora, the gteic digital hubs, and other achievements.

Roinn na Gaeltachta has also approved Language Planning Schemes for all language planning areas, and 22 of those plans were being implemented.

The board thanked Mícheál for all he had done on behalf of the Gaeltacht community and wished him all the best in the future.

Lidl submits plans for Portumna supermarket

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July 25, 2022

Galway Daily news Lidl appeal rejection of Portumna supermarket plans

Lidl have submitted plans to Galway County Council for the construction of a new supermarket in Portumna.

Planning permission is being sought for a supermarket with a total floor space of 2,275m², and 1,409m² of retail space, on a site between Clonfert Avenue and Dominic Street.

The supermarket would have pedestrian and vehicle access onto both roads, and would be served by 115 car parking spaces, and eight bicycle spaces.

A planning report submitted with the application states that it is expected to create 25 permanent jobs when open, and in excess of €1.5 million worth of wages during the construction phase.

The report also states that developing a new physical retail store in Portumna would help stop money going to other catchment areas, or online food shopping.

It also states that additional retail offerings are needed to accommodate future population growth in the town and surrounds.

A Natura Impact Statement, Retail Impact Assessment, Tree Survey, and Flood Risk Assessment have been submitted with this planning application.

Galway County Council is due to decide whether to grant planning permission to Lidl by September 12 of this year.

Homecoming for Galway Senior & Minor Footballers today

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July 25, 2022

Galway Daily sport Tuam Stadium awarded €90,000 under sports capital grants

A homecoming event for the Galway Senior and Minor Footballers is being held in Tuam this afternoon, to honour the minor champions, and the senior squad who fought to the very end.

The County Council and Galway GAA are hosting a homecoming for both sides at Tuam Stadium this afternoon.

The Galway Senior Footballers narrowly missed out on taking home the Sam Maguire on Sunday after a hard fought match against Kerry.

It really came down to the wire at Croke Park on Sunday, as both sides were neck in neck for the best part of the match, until Kerry pulled away in extra time.

The Minor Footballers have been enjoying their own victory for the past few weeks, after being crowned All-Ireland Champions earlier this month.

A Mayoral reception for their achievements already took place in Galway City this month.

Gates for the homecoming will open at 1pm with entertainment beginning shortly afterwards.

MC for the evening will be John Mulligan, Sports Commentator, Galway Bay FM, with the Minor team expected to be on stage by 2.30pm, and the Senior Team expected at 3pm with the event concluding at approximately 5pm.

The family friendly event is alcohol free, with patrons advised not to bring large back packs to the ground.

If they do, the items will be searched and bottles or any items of concern will be confiscated.

There is no parking available at the grounds but Galway County Council carparks will be open & free of charge to supporters.

Traffic restrictions may be in place for the event in the area around Tuam Stadium.

In the interest of public safety Galway County Council, Galway GAA and Gardaí ask supporters to arrive early and to follow the directions of the stewards.

All-Ireland SFC Final: Galway lose out to Kerry after tight game

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July 24, 2022

Galway Daily sports All-Ireland SFC Final: Galway lose out to Kerry — The Sam Maguire cup with the Kerry and Galway jerseys at Croke Park in advance of the GAA All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final match between Kerry and Galway in Dublin on Sunday. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Galway have narrowly failed to win the All-Ireland SFC final today after an incredibly tight game at Croke Park against Kerry.

The score board was a dead heat between Galway and Kerry for almost the entire match, before Kerry opened up a lead in the final minutes of extra time.

The final score at Croke Park today was 0-20 to 0-16 in favour of Kerry.

The first half saw the two sides trade points tit for tat, with Galway leading 0-08 to Kerry’s 0-07 at the half time whistle.

Kerry saw a lot of scoring opportunities go to waste during the first half, with seven shots going wide, far more than Galway.

Both sides got off to a quick start in the second half, with a point apiece in the first two minutes.

This trend continued throughout the second half, with the two sides spending most of their time level, and rarely with more than a single point between them.

However, the final few minutes saw Kerry open up a four point lead over Galway in the final few minutes of the match.

Connacht Academy squad named for 2022/23 season

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July 24, 2022