Gardaí concerned for missing woman (67) who may be in Galway

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July 13, 2022

Galway Daily news Mother and Baby Homes redress scheme

A Bill allowing for the exhumation of remains from the Tuam Mother and Baby Home site has been signed into law.

The Institutional Burials Bill 2022 was signed into law by President Michael D Higgins today.

This allows for the recovery of human remains from the Tuam Home, and other sites, along with their analysis and proper reburial.

The Bill also contains provisions for the identification of human remains by comparison of DNA samples with potential family members.

The Bill was first brought before the Oireachtas on February 28 of this year. It cleared its final Dáil stage on June 15, and final statements in the Seanad were made last week on July 6.

978 children died at the Tuam Mother and Baby Home during its years of operation up to 1961, at levels far above the normal mortality rate for the time.

The horrific story of what happened at Tuam was brought to public attention by local historian Catherine Corless, and led to a wider look at the history of Mother and Baby Homes in Ireland.

Man dies in Galway farm accident

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July 13, 2022

A man in his 60s lost his life in a workplace accident on a farm in Galway on Tuesday evening.

Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of a fatal workplace accident in the Derreen area of Gort yesterday.

The body of a man in his 60s was found on a farm in the area at approximately 7:10pm that evening.

The man’s body has been taken to University Hospital Galway, and Gardaí said that a post-mortem examination will take place at a later date.

The Health & Safety Authority (HSA) have also been notified, and a will be carrying out their own investigation

Over 70 people on trolleys in Galway’s hospitals today

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July 13, 2022

Galway Daily news 67 people on trolleys at UHG

There are more than 70 people on trolleys in Galway’s hospitals this morning, between UHG and Portiuncula Hospital.

At University Hospital Galway there are 58 patients without a bed, INMO Trolley/Ward Watch figures show, making it the third most overcrowded hospital in the country.

At Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe there are six people on trolleys in the ED, and another seven in its wards.

Nationwide, Ireland’s hospitals have 540 patients admitted with no bed available today, according to the INMO.

The most overcrowded hospital in Ireland today is UH Limerick, where there are 83 people without beds, followed by UH Cork, which has 60.

Man in his 40s dies after getting into difficulty while swimming

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July 13, 2022

A man in his 40s has died following after getting into trouble in the water on the west coast of Ireland last night.

The man was pronounced dead at University Hospital Galway, after being airlifted to the hospital following a rescue operation last night.

Two swimmers got into difficulty off the coast at Fanore Beach in north county Clare at approximately 9:30pm on Tuesday.

A multi-agency operation took place involving units of the Doolin Coast Guard, the Aran Islands RNLI, Gardaí and emergency services, and the Rescue 115 Coast Guard helicopter.

A statement from An Garda Síochána said “Gardaí were called by the Coastguard to attend the scene of an incident at approximately 9:30pm on Tuesday, 12th July 2022 at Fanore Beach, Co. Clare.”

“A male in his 40s got into difficulty while swimming and was removed from the water.”

“He was taken to University Hospital Galway where he was pronounced deceased.”

Pound the pavement in the Streets of Galway 8km race

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July 13, 2022

The City Harriers’ Streets of Galway 8k road race will be back in the city once again next month, with the Galway Clinic returning as its sponsor.

The first race was held in 1986, and it is now one of the most prestigious sporting events in the West of Ireland, with 989 participants completing the race last year.

This year, the race will take place on August 6, with the planned route taking participants past the Spanish Arch, Eyre Square, Galway Cathedral and NUI Galway, before they head to Salthill and then return along Galway Bay.

Galway Clinic has been sponsoring the ‘Streets of Galway 8k’ road race since 2017.

Rachel Coen, Marketing Lead in Galway Clinic, said: “At Blackrock Health Galway Clinic, we firmly believe that our duty of care extends beyond our patients to encompass the entire community here in Galway and across the region.”

“That is why we are so proud to be sponsoring the ‘Streets of Galway 8k’ road race again this year.”

Galway Clinic’s Physiotherapy team has provided some tips for runners to boost performance and prevent injury. Participants are advised to monitor their performance by using the Talk Test, and they should also ensure that they train in their footwear comfortably in the weeks before the race.

Those taking part are also advised to drink up to two litres of water per day, and to incorporate carbohydrates and protein into their diets at least two hours before exercising and within 30 minutes of finishing.

Evelyn Smyth, Senior Executive in Galway Clinic, said: “It is great that Blackrock Health at Galway Clinic can be part of an event which really showcases our city while helping to raise money for many worthy causes.”

“We would like to wish everyone taking part in the race the very best of luck,” she added.

The entry-fee to take part in the ‘Galway Clinic Streets of Galway 8k 2022’ event is €25, and those wishing to participate can register on the Galway City Harriers website.

Galway a key link on underseas cable from Iceland to Japan

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July 13, 2022

Galway Daily news Work underway to deliver fibre broadband for 2,500 homes in East Galway

Galway will serve as a crucial hub for an ambitious underseas fibre optic cable project connecting Iceland with Japan.

Farice and Far North Digital (FND) have signed a memorandum of understanding for a joint marketing and sales agreement for fibre optic connectivity between Japan and Iceland.

Farice’s new IRIS submarine cable will provide connectivity between Iceland and Ireland, and FND’s new Arctic cable spans between Japan and Ireland.

The parties have agreed to develop a connectivity exchange at their shared landing site in Galway, Ireland.

Through the exchange, customers will be able to buy direct connectivity between Japan and Iceland, linking the third largest economy in the world and Iceland, which has 100% green and sustainable electricity.

The FND fibre route will be the first Arctic route connecting Asia with Europe through the Northwest Passage, and is scheduled for completion and operation by the end of 2026.

The IRIS project has been in development since 2019 and the system is planned for service early 2023.

Farice chose the landing in Ireland due to its short distance to Iceland with Dublin as one of Europe’s key network hubs.

“We are very excited about the development of the new Arctic fibre cable that will bring the continents of Asia, Northern America and Europe closer together,” says Thorvardur Sveinsson, CEO of Farice.

The landing of the cable in Galway next to our IRIS cable will drive the development of a new submarine network exchange, connecting Iceland to Asia, North America and Northern Scandinavia.”

“Farice is a terrific partner, and Iceland has the renewable resources to make the Internet greener”, says Guy Houser, FND’s Chief Technical Officer.

“Our combined system offers faster and more secure connectivity for the world and the North. It is critical infrastructure in the information age.”

Garda appeal for missing 15 year old girl

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July 12, 2022

Galway Daily news Garda appeal for missing 15 year old girl

Gardaí are appealing to the public for information that could help locate a 15 year old girl missing from her home in Galway.

Maggie Ward has been missing from her home in Castlegar since the afternoon of last Friday, July 8.

Maggie is described as being 5 feet 8 inches in height with a medium build and long brown hair.

When last seen, she was wearing a white jumper, grey trousers and white runners.

Maggie is known to frequent the Claregalway and Tuam areas.

Anyone with information of Maggie’s whereabouts is asked to contact Galway Garda Station on 091 538 000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Man stole taxi driver’s phone with irreplicable photos of deceased mother

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July 12, 2022

Galway Daily crime Assault and car jacking after taxi drive attacked in Barna

A man who stole a taxi driver’s phone containing irreplaceable photos of his deceased mother received a five month prison sentence at Galway District Court.

William Casserly (37), with a former address at An Sean Bhaile, Doughiska, who has 87 previous convictions, pleaded guilty late last month to stealing an iPhone 6 and €200 cash from Md Abdul Kashem.

On July 21 of 2019, taxi driver Md Abdul Kashem picked Casserly and another man at Eyre Square.

The other man was dropped off first, but when the taxi arrived at Casserly’s destination at An Sean Bhaile Doughiska, he swiped the phone and cash from the car before running

The court heard at that time that it wasn’t the cash that was so precious to Mr Kashem. Rather, his phone held photos of his mother, who had since passed.

CCTV footage was shown to Mr Kashem, and he was able to identify the person who stole from him.

Judge Mary Fahy adjourned the case on the last date, as Mr Casserly said that he would make efforts to retrieve the phone, which he said he left at a former partner’s house.

However, after being unable to do so, he was sentenced to five months in prison at Galway District Court this week.

Judge Mary Fahy said that it was an incredibly “low down” thing to do, and highlighted that “a taxi driver, while carrying fares, is very vulnerable.”

She added that photos of a relative cannot be replaced when they are no longer alive.

A written victim impact statement was handed into the court, in which Mr Kashem said that he was devastated by the loss of his mother’s photos.

The court heard that Casserly was drunk at the time of the incident. Judge Fahy said that he could have tried to return the phone when he sobered up the next day.

Mr Casserly’s solicitor said that there was €800 in court as compensation for the material loss.

Judge Fahy took the compensation and plea into consideration when sentencing.

Leave to appeal was granted on Casserly’s own bond of €300.

Dominic Robertson-McCoy extends stay with Connacht Rugby

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July 12, 2022

Galway Daily sport Dominic Robertson-McCoy extends stay with Connacht Rugby — Photo Credit: INPHO/Connacht Rugby

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.

Deep sea coral could block COVID-19 virus

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July 12, 2022

Galway Daily news Deep sea coral could block COVID-19 virus

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.

Lifeboat rescues three people and a dog

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July 12, 2022

Galway Daily news Boat runs aground at Silver Islands in the second incident in a week

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 announced for nine summer agricultural shows in Galway

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July 12, 2022

Galway daily news Calls for review of ban on in-person sales at Marts

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.

Rooftop solar panels could produce over 20% of Galway’s household electricity

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July 12, 2022

galway daily news Galway leads the pack in new Solar for Schools programme

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 announced as new HR partners of Galway Chamber

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July 12, 2022

galway daily news galway chamber and ghr consulting in galway city — Launching the partnership between Galway Chamber & GHR Consulting were (L to R) Dermot Nolan, President, Galway Chamber; Terence Morgan, Director of Business Development, GHR Consulting; Elaine Murphy, Head of Marketing & Events, Galway Chamber; Ruairi Guckian, Owner & HR Consultant, GHR Consulting and Kenny Deery, CEO, Galway Chamber.

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.”

Galway Film Fleadh winners announced as 34th festival ends

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July 12, 2022

galway daily news film fleadh winner 2022

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.

Winners

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

Stronger controls on short-term rentals welcomed by housing charity

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July 12, 2022

Galway daily news Galway County social housing tenants

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.”

Council asked to roll out big screen at Eyre Square for All-Ireland Final!

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July 11, 2022

Galway Daily GAA Supermac's and Galway GAA announce new five year sponsorship

Galway City Councillor Mike Cubbard has asked the council to roll out the big screen at Eyre Square for the All-Ireland football final on 24 July.

Cllr Cubbard said that it has been a long enough wait for a senior football final, with our last appearance being 2001.

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.

Cllr Cubbard said that after a brilliant result for Alan Glynn and our Galway Minor side, we have every chance now to make it a minor and senior double.

First Home Scheme is a gamechanger for first-time buyers says Galway TD

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July 11, 2022

galway daily students union airbnb renting students

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.

City ceremony remembers those who died in past wars

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July 11, 2022