Eleven NUIG students take part in GIAF professional development programme

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July 16, 2022

Galway Daily news Students get 50% fare cut for private bus companies

Irish Citylink has bought Galway-based GoBus for around €12 million, making Citylink one of the largest private land transport companies in Ireland.

The acquisition marks a significant step forward for Irish Citylink in expanding its network across the country.

The company, a wholly owned subsidiary of ComfortDelGro group headquartered in Singapore, plans to become the largest operator of intercity coach services in Ireland.

David Conway, Regional Director of Irish Citylink, said that the addition of the GoBus network will allow them to provide significantly more options to both Citylink and GoBus customers.

“This enhanced network of services will encourage more people to travel via public transport and support our greater green agenda of moving towards a sustainable public transport network,” he said.

When asked about the acquisition, Frances Cahill, General Manager of Irish Citylink, said, “This is just the beginning – the acquisition of GoBus brings so many new opportunities to the business in terms of employment, funding for local sponsorships, and the services we can provide for our passengers.

“We are absolutely delighted to bring two reputable transport providers together to provide an expanded network of routes and an even better customer experience for our current and future passengers!”

Missing Galway man found safe

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July 16, 2022

Galway Daily news Gardaí seek help finding young man missing from Galway City

A young man reported missing from Galway City this week has been found safe and well.

Kostyantyn Gorbenko (25) was reported missing from the Knocknacarra area of Galway since Thursday, July 14.

An Garda Síochána say that the young man has now been found safe.

Gardai thanked the public for their assistance in this matter.

Lidl supermarket plans rejected by An Bord Pleanála again

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July 15, 2022

Galway Daily news An Bord Pleanála refuses planning for Lidl supermarket again

An Bord Pleanála has refused planning permission for a Lidl supermarket in the Westside area of Galway City, upholding the council’s decision.

Lidl sought approval to demolish most the former Arch Motors dealership on the Seamus Quirke Road to make way for a single storey supermarket, with another retail unit attached.

The adjoining Monaghan’s Westside Shop and Filling Station was to be left intact, and a small portion of the former Arch Motors premises there would be converted to shop use.

Galway City Council refused planning permission for the project in November of last year, based on the C1 zoning of the site.

This development would go against the specific objective to only allow “bulky goods retailing and local retail needs” on C1 lands at this location, the council said.

Objections to the project were submitted by the HSE, Tesco Ireland, and the Retail Retail Grocery Dairy & Allied Trades Association.

The HSE was specifically concerned that the development would interfere with the safe operation of the helipad for University Hospital Galway located behind the site.

Lidl appealed the council’s decision, arguing that this would be a smaller, locally focused supermarke, with the plans reduced in scale from the first application.

This is the second time that An Bord Pleanála have shot down plans for a Lidl store at the former car dealership site.

The appeal also stated that the council had adopted an extremely restrictive interpretation of the zoning objective, which was hindering development on the lands.

Lidl also said that local retailing needs are changing, and that new and emerging patterns and policy considerations were not taken into account.

The council’s decision also stated that the site was adjacent to the Westside District Centre, but Lidl argued that too much consideration was given to the District Centre designation, the boundaries of which, it was also argued, are unclear.

The appeal also said that there is no potential for adverse impact on the operation of the UHG helipad.

An Bord Pleanála ultimately rejected the plans once again, giving an identical reason to the council’s, based on the zoning objective of the site.

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar officially opens Diligent’s European HQ at Bonham Quay

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July 15, 2022

galway daily business Tánaiste Leo Varadkar officially opens Diligent's European HQ at Bonham Quay

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has officially opened the new European Hub of US software giant Diligent at Bonham Quay in Galway City this morning.

Since announcing Galway as its European hub in November 2020, Diligent has hired 275 people in the region, with an additional 50 open jobs available.

Located in the new Bonham Quay development on the Galway Docks, the state-of-the-art office will be instrumental in supporting Diligent’s global operations and driving long-term business growth.

“Our European hub is an innovation engine for our company across Europe and beyond. We are delighted to expand our footprint in Galway,” said Brian Stafford, CEO of Diligent.

“Our new office will enable us to continue to attract the best talent, putting us in a strong position to empower leaders with the technology, insights and connections they need to drive greater impact and lead with purpose.”

Based in New York, Diligent provides software solutions for corporate governance in to both the private and public sector.

Their Software-as-a-Service solutions are used by more than 19,000 organizations in over 90 countries.

The new Galway hub is expected to handle roughly half of all Diligent’s clients outside of the United States.

The 35,000sq ft office at Bonham Quay includes green spaces, breakout terraces, and a roof space with views over the city.

Speaking at the official opening of the offices, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar said, “This new facility and Diligent’s investment in the West is a testament to the company’s commitment to Ireland and the hard work of its growing team.”

“Remote working is here to stay and I’m particularly happy to see Bonham Quay will offer flexible working options for its employees.”

He added that the 275 people hired so far, and the 50 further jobs still to be filled offers, “fantastic opportunities for the rich talent pool we have in Galway and the surrounding area.”

Ruairí Conroy, Diligent’s Galway Site Leader said “As a relatively new entrant to Galway’s growing tech ecosystem, we strive to promote a dynamic and enriching environment where collaboration, networking and learning is encouraged.”

“I commend the IDA for their work in promoting the West as an excellent location for investment and look forward to continuing to expand the Diligent team here in Galway.”

Executive Director of IDA Ireland, Mary Buckley said, “This confident commitment to the West region and indeed Ireland is paying off and it’s wonderful to celebrate the official opening at Bonham Quay.”

Since establishing its European hub, Diligent has established partnerships with local stakeholders including Galway Chamber, Western Development Commission, NUIG, and COPE Galway.

Full capacity protocol enacted at UHG due to high pressure

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July 15, 2022

University Hospital Galway is under extreme pressure due to ED attendance and COVID-19, with full capacity protocol enacted at the hospital.

In a statement this morning, the Saolta Group said the emergency department has been extremely busy in the past week, with high numbers of people admitted needing further treatment.

There are also large number of patients on trolleys still awaiting assessment, and the hospital is in its full capacity protocol.

“In addition, there is pressure on bed availability in the hospital due to the number of patients with COVID-19 in the hospital.”

“There are currently 54 patients with COVID-19 being treated in the hospital,” a statement from Saolta said.

“Three wards in the hospital are dedicated to care for patients with COVID-19 and a further two wards are affected by outbreaks of COVID-19 which is limiting the availability of beds for patients coming in through the ED.”

“All available beds are in use. Every effort is being made to discharge patients who are ready to go home so that beds will become available for patients who need to be admitted, at the earliest opportunity.”

“The hospital acknowledges that these delays are very difficult for patients and their families and apologises for the inconvenience and distress these delays cause.”

The Saolta Group is also reminding people that the minor injuries unit at Roscommon University Hospital is open from 8am to 8pm every day to treat a range of injuries in both adults and children over five years of age.

Weather Warning issued for three day heatwave of up to 32 degrees

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July 15, 2022

Galway Daily news met eireann high temperature warning

Met Eireann has officially issues a status yellow weather warning for blisteringly high temperatures of up to 32 degrees in the coming days.

Over three days on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, daytime temperatures will average 25 to 30 degrees across Ireland.

In some places, the mercury could even rise as high as 32 degrees, close to the highest ever temperatures recorded in Ireland.

Night time temperatures will also be uncomfortable high, ranging from 15 to 20 degrees, with humid conditions as well, Met Eireann has said.

The weather warning covers all of Ireland, and will be in effect from 6am on Sunday morning, until 9pm on Tuesday night.

The risks associated with this heatwave include heat stress, particularly for older and more vulnerable people, a high solar UV index, and the risk of incidents on the water.

The heatwave will be the result of high pressure pressure moving up from the Azores, and interacting with a low pressure system developing off the coast of Portugal, before heading north.

As the cyclonic high pressure and anticyclonic low pressure system interact, they will generate a strong surge of warm air pushed towards Ireland.

Meteorologist Paul Downes said “While the high builds in on Friday and Saturday the high temperatures will range generally in the low to mid 20’s.”

“There will also be some upper cloud at times making sunshine a little hazy and there is a chance of a few showers too.”

“As the high begins to drift a little to the east on Sunday, temperatures will rise to mid to upper 20’s with temperatures possibly surpassing 30 locally on Monday.”

“There is a little more uncertainty regarding Tuesday but it does look like it will be another hot day and perhaps as hot if not hotter than Monday.”

“While this warmer air moves in our direction there will be the chance of a few thundery bursts especially on Tuesday.”

Bundee Aki to start in final Test game in New Zealand

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July 15, 2022

Galway Daily rugby Aki and Fryday named Guinness Rugby Writers Players Of The Year

Three Connacht players have been named to the Irish squad in the final Test match against the All-Blacks in New Zealand this weekend.

Irish head Coach has made just one change to the lineup that triumphed in Dunedin last week, bringing Bundee Aki in to replace the Garry Ringrose, partnering with Robbie Henshaw in midfield.

Also from Connacht, Mack Hansen is staying on in the back three, while Finlay Bealham is among the replacements.

Hugo Keenan and James Lowe fill out the back row, with Johnny Sexton and Jamison Gibson-Park as half-backs.

The pack from the first two Tests lines out again in the final game of the tour with Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlongin the front row and Tadhg Beirne and James Ryan at lock. Peter O’Mahony is at six, Josh van der Flier at seven and Caelan Doris is named at No.8.

The rest of the replacements are Rob Herring, Cian Healy, Kieran Treadwell, Jack Conan, Conor Murray, Joey Carbery and Keith Earls.

This has been a good week for Sexton, as the captain celebrated his 37th birthday this week, just days after the historic win against the All-Blacks.

Ireland have secured two wins against New Zealand on this five match tour, first with the test historic 23 – 12 victory in Dunedin last weekend.

The midweek team followed up on this by claiming their own 30-24 win in Sky Stadium in Wellington on Tuesday.

This will be the setting of the final test match of the series again on Saturday, a welcome morale boost ahead of the deciding game.

The third Test against New Zealand will be broadcast live on SKY and RTE Radio.

IRELAND v New Zealand
SKY Stadium, Wellington, Saturday 16th July, 2022
KO: 8.05am Irish Time

15. Hugo Keenan (Leinster/UCD) 22 caps
14. Mack Hansen (Connacht) 5 caps
13. Robbie Henshaw (Leinster/Buccaneers) 59 caps
12. Bundee Aki (Connacht/Galwegians) 39 caps
11. James Lowe (Leinster) 14 caps
10. Johnny Sexton (Leinster/St Mary’s College) 107 caps CAPTAIN
9. Jamison Gibson Park (Leinster) 19 caps

1. Andrew Porter (Leinster/UCD) 45 caps
2. Dan Sheehan (Leinster/Lansdowne) 9 caps
3. Tadhg Furlong (Leinster/Clontarf) 59 caps
4. Tadhg Beirne (Munster/Lansdowne) 32 caps
5. James Ryan (Leinster/UCD) 45 caps
6. Peter O’Mahony (Munster/Cork Constitution) 86 caps
7. Josh van der Flier (Leinster/UCD) 42 caps
8. Caelan Doris (Leinster/St Mary’s College) 19 caps

Replacements
16. Rob Herring (Ulster/Ballynahinch) 27 caps
17. Cian Healy (Leinster/Clontarf) 117 caps
18. Finlay Bealham (Connacht/Buccaneers) 24 caps
19. Kieran Treadwell (Ulster/Ballymena) 7 caps
20. Jack Conan (Leinster/Old Belvedere) 29 caps
21. Conor Murray (Munster/Garryowen) 98 caps
22. Joey Carbery (Munster/Clontarf) 34 caps
23. Keith Earls (Munster/Young Munster) 97 caps

Medtronic creating 200 new jobs in Galway

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July 15, 2022

Galway Daily business Multinational sector jobs grew by 7.3% in the West in 2022

Medtronic is creating 200 new Research & Development jobs at its Parkmore facility in Galway City.

The €30 million investment comes on the 40th anniversary of the Parkmore campus of the Medtech multinational.

Just over half of the new jobs, which include roles in new product development, and the creation of a global laboratory services team, have already been filled.

Speaking at today’s event the Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said, “Medtronic came to Ireland in 1982 with plans to manufacture a small number of cardiovascular devices.”

“Forty years later, the company now employs more than 4,000 people across five sites in Galway, Athlone and Dublin, and with a further 200 new jobs announced today for Galway.”

“Medtronic Ireland has been a leading light in Ireland’s vibrant medtech sector and this latest growth underlines the company’s dedication to our country.”

Gerard Kilcommins, VP and Country Director for Medtronic said, “Our sites in Ireland have played a significant role in Medtronic’s evolution from medical device manufacturer to a global leader in healthcare technology.”

The new jobs in Galway will support the development of products for coronary artery, heart valve and peripheral vascular disease, heart arrhythmia and pacing, hypertension and spinal injury.

The Global Laboratory Services team will see people hired in the fields of Chemical Analysis and Biocompatibility.

“Today we highlighted several impressive figures about our business in Ireland- our 4,000 strong workforce, an additional 200 R&D and Laboratory Services jobs and the 70 health conditions treated with our products and therapies.”

“However, to Medtronic employees, the most important statistic is that what we do helps to transform the lives of two people every second around the world,” Gerard Kilcommins said.

IDA Head of Life Sciences Michael Lohan added, “Today’s celebrations are an opportunity to look back and acknowledge the substantial impact that Medtronic has made through its presence in Galway, Athlone and Dublin.”

He said that it is also about looking forward to the “vote of confidence” the company has given to the west of Ireland through its ongoing investment.

“Medtronic’s role in nurturing and developing talent in science and engineering over four decades is something IDA Ireland deeply values and we are proud to support the growth in the company’s Irish R&D activity.”

Water outages in Athenry and Clarinbridge today

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July 15, 2022

Galway Daily news overnight water outages

Water outages are expected in Athenry and Clarinbridge today while repairs are made to a burst water main.

There will be a water outage from 8:30am to 6pm on Friday while repairs are made to a burst mains in Athenry.

Homes and businesses in Oakwood Estate, the Tuam Road, Moanbaun, and the Derrydonnell Road will be affected in Athenry.

Outages are also expected in Clarinbridge as a result of the repairs.

It can take 2-3 hours after repairs are completed before people see their full water supply restored.

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

67 year old woman missing for three weeks located safe

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July 15, 2022

Galway Daily news Missing 67 year old woman located safe and well

A missing 67 year old woman, who it was believed may have travelled to Galway, has been located safe and well.

Bernadette Loughlin was missing from her home in Castlebar, Co. Mayo for three weeks, since Wednesday, June 22.

Gardaí said that it was believed that she may have travelled to the Mountbellew area of Galway.

Gardaí have now said that she has been located safe and well, and thanked the public for their assistance.

Missing Galway teenager found safe

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July 15, 2022

Galway Daily news Garda appeal for missing 15 year old girl

A 15 year old girl from Galway who has been missing for the past week has been found safe and well.

Maggie Ward had been missing from the Castlegar area of Galway since Friday, July 8.

An Garda Síochána have said this morning that she has now been found safe.

Gardai thanked the public for their assistance in this matter.

Gardaí seek public’s help in tracing missing Mayo teenager

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July 14, 2022

galway daily news missing charles mcdonagh

Gardaí have asked for the public’s assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 17-year-old Charles McDonagh who went missing from Ballina in Mayo on Saturday 2 July.

Charles is described as being 5’8” in height with a slim build. He has brown hair and blue eyes.

When last seen, Charles was wearing a black puffer jacket, tracksuit bottoms and he was carrying an Adidas backpack.

Charles is known to frequent the Belmullet area in Mayo as well as the Drogheda area in Louth.

Anyone with information on Charles’ whereabouts is asked to contact Ballina Garda Station on 096 20560, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

‘My Country is My Prison’ podcast launched by six Galway students

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July 14, 2022

galway daily news podcast my country is my prison poster

Six students from the Irish Centre for Human Rights at NUI Galway have launched a podcast series titled ‘My Country is My Prison’.

The 5-episode podcast series highlights human rights violations perpetrated against women and children in Ireland’s institutions in the 20th century, using international human rights law as an illustrative framework.

The Master in Laws students who developed the podcast series are Emily Williams, Fernanda Souza, Holly Hayes, James Spillane, Maria Tapias Serrano and Shauna Joyce.

The aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of the institutions, the human rights violations (including how they continue today) and how transitional justice can be used for Ireland to respond to these systematic human rights violations.

All five episodes, along with two bonus episodes that feature the full length interviews conducted with survivor Elizabeth Coppin and Dr Conor O’Mahony, Special Rapporteur on Child Protection to Government of Ireland, 2019-22, are now available to listen to on Spotify.

The students will also host a conference for Irish secondary school teachers in October 2022.

Hosted in partnership with a group of academics, activists and teachers, the conference will focus on why this history should be taught in schools and how it may be implemented in Transition Year classrooms.

The conference will be an all-day event hosted on the NUI Galway campus, with a range of speakers and workshops throughout the day.

Galway senator welcomes support for public service media content

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July 14, 2022

Galway senator Seán Kyne has welcomed the report of the Future of Media Commission and the Government’s response which includes an initiative to support public service content.

The Commission made 50 recommendations, part of a strategic agenda to transform the media sector and the government has accepted 49 of the 50.

A key recommendation is the reform of the licence fee which will make it more equitable, relevant and sustainable.

In welcoming the report, Senator Kyne said that the media, in all its forms, has never been more important and as ever present.

“Good content, balanced journalism and coverage of items of local, cultural and national news is vital and those providing it must be supported.

“I believe this strategy does this and puts down a marker for the future of media in Ireland.”

Senator Kyne particularly welcome the new Media Fund which will be established to support the media and journalism sector at all levels.

He said that in times of crisis we saw the value of responsible, balanced and effective media both locally and nationally.

“It’s not something we can take for granted and I welcome its support. Areas which are very much valued by our communities such as news reporting, community media and courts reporting will be included under the Media Fund which is good news.

“I would like to thank the Commission under its Chairperson, Professor Brian MacCraith, for all their hard work in producing what is a historic blueprint for the future of media in Ireland.”

Man killed in farming accident named locally

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July 14, 2022

The man who was tragically killed in a farming accident in Gort on Tuesday has been named locally as John Hansberry.

A note on RIP.ie reads that John will be sadly missed by his beloved brother Michael, sisters Mary (UK), Peggy (Limerick), Joan (UK), Honor (Ballinasloe), and Rita (USA).

He will also be missed by his brother-in-law Padraic, nieces, nephews, extended family and a wide circle of friends.

Funeral arrangements are to follow.

RIP

Severe overcrowding at UHG today with 63 people on trolleys

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July 14, 2022

University Hospital Galway is the second most overcrowded hospital in the State today, marginally behind University Hospital Limerick (UHL).

Sixty-three patients are on trolleys at UHG today, just ten less than UHL which has been the worst affected hospital in the country for some time.

Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe has a further nine people awaiting a bed today.

Nationally, 432 people are on trolleys today according to the latest Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) data.

General secretary of the INMO Phil Ní Sheaghdha said this week that there has not been a day since June 3rd where there has been less than 400 people on trolleys.

She said that this is ‘completely unacceptable’ at a time of year when overcrowding traditionally eases off.

“It is impossible for our members to provide safe care when we are seeing huge numbers without beds in our hospitals coupled with high numbers of COVID hospitalisations.

“The Government must take certain steps to stem the worst of this crisis before the Dáil goes into recess later this week.”

UHG has 47 confirmed cases of Covid-19, with two cases receiving intensive care.

Two weeks left for non-profit groups to apply to Coca-Cola fund

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July 14, 2022

Galway Daily news Fewer than 4,000 remain on pandemic unemployment in Galway

Non-profit groups in Galway have been reminded that they have less than two weeks to apply for grants under the Coca-Cola Thank You Fund.

The application deadline was extended to 27 July, giving more non-profit youth organisations the opportunity to submit their request for funding.

Community leaders in Galway are invited to apply by completing a simple application form at coca-cola.ie/thankyou.

Grants totalling €100,000 are available to charities, community groups and non-profit organisations committed to helping young people ‘shape, create and maintain’ sustainable communities for the benefit of all.

Under this year’s special theme of Investing in Sustainable Communities,the Fund is seeking applications which fall under one or more of the following three categories:

EDUCATION
Educational, training, resilience and entrepreneurship programmes for young people

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

Programmes that support Diversity & Inclusivity and social equity among young people.

CARE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

Programmes that encourage and support young people to care for and protect the environment.

Leaders of the shortlisted projects will be invited to attend a special skills and networking workshop delivered by supporting partners Irish Youth Foundation (IYF) and YouthAction Northern Ireland, empowering them with top tips on how to pitch their project and apply for funding, before presenting their ideas to a panel of judges in September.

Communities will also have the opportunity to vote for their favourite project from the shortlisted organisations as the ‘People’s Choice Award’ returns, with successful 2022 Coca-Cola Thank You Fund recipients to be announced in the autumn.

Over the years, the Coca-Cola Thank You Fund has supported projects including community, social and education programmes aimed at youth, healthy and active lifestyles and environmental leadership. To date €1,255,000 has been given to 121 non-profit organisations across the island of Ireland.

Local TD supports new scheme to help first time buyers

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July 14, 2022

students union galway tds ask GALWAY landlords to rent early in summer

Galway East TD Seán Canney has welcomed a ‘pending’ announcement of a new scheme for first time buyers to purchase vacant properties.

Deputy Canney said that the scheme will provide grants of up to €30,000 to help towards the cost of renovating the property.

The Independent TD has advocated for such a support scheme for a number of years, and said that it makes sense to bring these vacant buildings back into use.

It was also part of the Regional Group’s submission in last year’s budget.

“There are 27,000 such properties in the West and North West region,” said Deputy Canney.

“By renovating these properties, we will be regenerating our towns and villages and also help to find solutions to our housing crisis. It also makes sense from a Carbon saving perspective.”

Canney said that he strongly believes that the Government should go further and extend the Help to Buy Scheme to these properties and remove the necessity for planning which is an unnecessary cost and time delay.

“The housing crisis needs immediate urgent action and by utilising our existing vacant housing stock we will make some progress in solving the crisis.”

Met Eireann issues alert as temperatures expected to reach 30 degrees

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July 13, 2022