Tiny island school issues fresh appeal for new students

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June 28, 2022

galway daily news iland school appealing for new students

The principal of the secondary school on the smallest of the three Aran Islands has issued an appeal for new students from the mainland to come and live on Inis Oirr to help maintain student and teacher numbers.

Coláiste Ghobnait has collaborated with the island’s arts centre, Áras Éanna Ionad Ealaíne, to produce a new four minute video which highlights the delights of living and studying on the Gaeltacht island in Co Galway.

Grants are available for students throughout Ireland who wish to study on the island, where Irish is very much a living language and learning through Irish is central to the ethos of the school.

School principal Brid Ni Dhonncha asked Áras Éanna to help highlight the benefits of attending such a small school because just one new student is set to progress from the island’s primary school to Coláiste Ghobnait next September.

Inis Oirr has a population of just 300 people. The video features interviews with students who love the friendliness of the islanders, the language and culture, and the peace and freedom which comes with living in such a beautiful place on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean.

“We have very small classes,” says Brid. “You get to know your students very well and the students get to excel in those settings. The biggest strength we have is that respect is mutual and, from there, once students feel safe and happy, learning happens.

“The students from the mainland add to the school in lots of different ways, the social aspect, meeting new people, and they are part of the community. We value them in our community here on Inis Oirr. The students who come here really do learn to be independent, responsible, and to develop as a person, both academically and socially.”

Prior to the opening of Coláiste Ghobnait in 1985, young people from the island were forced to go to the mainland to attend secondary school. The opening of the school rejuvenated the island and ensured that teenagers could stay on Inis Oirr outside of the peak tourist season.

Ms Ní Dhonnacha hopes the video will inspire young people with a sense of adventure who want to immerse themselves in the Irish-speaking culture of the Aran Islands and gain independent life skills.

A remote areas grant from the Department of Education is available for those who live in areas where second level education through the medium of Irish is not available. The grant is worth in the region of €5,000 and covers the cost of accommodation and meals with a Bean an Tí on the island.

Most pupils from the mainland travel home every second weekend.

“On the mainland, most schools would have 30 in a classroom. Here, our biggest class would be six pupils. Immediately, you can see that the teachers really get to know their students and, in that kind of environment, they get to really go on and develop as a person,” says Brid Ní Dhonnacha.

“It is a very different way of living. There is no rushing around. It is lovely. You really get to enjoy life, to look at the views and surrounding areas, and we really are lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the world.”

The video was put together by Justin McCarthy, Ciarán Tierney, Cormac Coyne, and Rebecca Ni Chríocháin, with music by The Raines.

“Years ago, people here on Inis Oirr had to go away to boarding school and lost their connection with the island,” says Bríd. “A lot of the young people left to go to boarding school and never returned here to live.

“Having a school here ensures we are going to have a viable, living community for generations to come. Plus, the young people who come here build up a great connection with the island. They return to the island long after they have finished school and find they have life-long friends here. We have spaces here for people and we would urge them to get in touch with us.”

To find out more about living and studying on Inis Oirr, you can contact Bríd at (087) 2232520 or email her at brid.nidhonnacha@gretb.ie. You can also find Coláiste Ghobnait on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram or http://colaisteghobnait.com/en/

Salthill native elected as new president of Galway Chamber

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Michael Malone

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June 28, 2022

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Dermot Nolan. Photo:Andrew Downes, xposure

Salthill native Dermot Nolan has been elected as the new President of Galway Chamber.

Mr Nolan is the group finance director of the Headspace Group and has served as Deputy President of the Chamber as well as Chair of the Evolving Galway Committee.

He previously worked with EY and Mazars in various roles up to partner level in both Ireland and internationally.

Nolan is also a board member of Bia Innovator, Baboró International Arts Festival for Children and Architecture at the Edge and is Galway Hockey Club’s president.

As a Chartered Accountant who also holds an MBA, Dermot is a graduate of Atlantic Technological University, NUI Galway and University College Dublin.

Speaking following his election, Dermot Nolan said that he is ‘truly humbled’ and “looking forward to helping to further progress the great strides taken in recent times under the watch of Aengus Burns, JP Gilmartin as well as the other members of Council.”

“They guided the Chamber through a particularly challenging period but have left us on a very strong footing as the Chamber of the Year,” he said.

“Our challenge is to continue their good work and to further advance the strong progress made by the Chamber on a range of issues of concern to the Galway business community.”

“On a broader note, it is fantastic that Galway continues to be recognised internationally as the most welcoming city in Europe.

“That allows Galway to compete well against other locations in both Ireland and wider Europe as a potential location for investment. It makes Galway a popular place to put down roots amongst the FDI community as well as with remote workers.”

“As a welcoming city, Galway has always thrived on new blood and ideas. I hope it continues to embrace that attitude. Everyone in Galway should see the opportunities this outlook provides – from the Chamber to all other major organisations operating in Galway and the West. It will certainly be an approach that I aim to adopt for my own activity over the next year.

“I truly believe Galway is poised for even greater success in the near future. We have all the right ingredients, we just need the correct recipe.

“My hope is that over the course of my year in office we will be able to unlock a menu that appeals to a wide range of palates and that will enable Galway to continue to be an appetising place for all forms of business.”

NUI Galway celebrates 20 years of MedTech graduates

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Briain Kelly

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June 28, 2022

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largeNUIGAlumni-6327 — rom left: Paul Dodd, NUI Galway’s Vice President Engagement; Professor Laoise McNamara, Professor of Biomedical Engineering at NUI Galway; Professor Peter McHugh, Professor of Biomedical Engineering at NUI Galway; Ellen Roche, Associate Professor at Massachusetts Institute of Technology School of Engineering; Professor Walter Gear, Dean of Science and Engineering, NUI Galway; Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, NUI Galway President; Brendan Gallagher, Senior Director Research and Development at Medtronic; Claire Lillis, Senior Programme Manager, Aerogen; and Adrian McNamara, R&D Director, Structural Heart at Boston Scientific. Credit – Martina Regan.

NUI Galway recently marked a milestone in its Biomedical Engineering programme, celebrating 20 years of medtech graduates passing through it halls.

Since the programme commenced in 1998 over 800 biomedical engineers have graduated from the University.

These have found work in the many multinationals in the medical sector which have located in Galway.

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Many have also gone on to found and support the establishment of start-up medical device and technology companies.

As part of the event, the University held a panel discussion with biomedical and engineering graduates focusing on the past and future of Biomedical Engineering at NUI Galway.

The panel also looked at how the programme can continue to be a cornerstone of Galway’s medtech ecosystem.

State of the art Cardiothoracic ward opens at University Hospital Galway

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Briain Kelly

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June 28, 2022

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Galway Daily news State of the art Cardiothoracic ward opens at University Hospital Galway

A new state of the art €4.7 million ward dedicated to Cardiothoracic Surgery has opened at University Hospital Galway.

The ward includes three isolation rooms, 3 two-bed wards, and a four-bed ward depending on the needs of the patients.

The area also includes a pre-discharge lounge/waiting area for patients before admission. There is also a treatment room/pre-assessment room for patients prior to surgery.

The ward cost €4.71 million to design, build, and equip, and is fitted with in-room monitoring and telemetry, which allows patients to be monitored by staff 24/7, while still allowing them privacy while resting.

Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon for the Saolta University Health Care Group Mr Alan Soo welcomed the opening of the new ward.

“This state-of-the-art ward is built to the highest standard and regulations which I’m extremely proud of.”

“It will allow us to provide patient care in a safe and clean environment at the same time giving adequate privacy to the patients to recover in their own time. Here, I would like to acknowledge all personnel involve in making this ward project a reality,” he added.

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The Cardiothoracic Unit in UHG is the sole tertiary referral centre for both cardiac and thoracic surgery in the West of Ireland.

The thoracic service is one of four designated NCCP lung cancer surgery centres in Ireland.

The department delivers both elective and emergency services to all hospitals within the Saolta Hospital Health Care Group. It is also a designated training centre for junior surgeons, nurses and allied health professionals.

The ward was opened on May 31 on a phased basis, with the first 10 patients transferred to the new ward. The further three beds will be opened in Q3, 2022.

Ms Chris Kane, Hospital Manager said, “This new Cardiothoracic ward is a welcome addition to our hospital and will ensure patients from across the region have the best possible care with state-of-the-art facilities. “

Woman taken to hospital following Headford Road crash

By

Briain Kelly

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June 28, 2022

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One woman has been taken to hospital following a crash on the N84 Headford Road this morning.

Gardaí and emergency services are currently at the scene of a collision on the N84 near Corrandulla.

The crash, understood to involve a car and a truck, occurred at approximately 8:45am on Tuesday.

One woman has been taken to hospital for treatment, but a Garda statement to Galway Daily said that her injuries are not believed to be serious.

The road remains open, but restrictions are in place at this time.

Man sent to trial for defilement of a minor

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Briain Kelly

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June 28, 2022

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Galway Daily courts Man charged in connection

A man in his 50s has been sent forward to trial for alleged defilement of a minor in Galway City.

Evidence was given to Galway District Court by Detective Garda John Horkan this week, that a book of evidence had been served on the accused

The man has been charged with two counts of defilement of a child under the age of 17.

The offences are alleged to have occurred at an address in Galway City in 2017.

The court heard that the DPP has consented to the accused man being sent forward to trial at the sitting of Galway Circuit Court commencing in October.

Judge Mary Fahy made the return order, and informed the accused man that if he wished to use an alibi, the state must be informed in advance.

The judge also ordered that the identity of the accused must not be reported.

Free legal aid was awarded to the accused man for a solicitor and junior counsel.

Popular city restaurant closes due to economic pressure

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Briain Kelly

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June 28, 2022

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Galway Daily life & style Takeaway Awards Gourmet Offensive — Flo Wagemakers and all the staff from The Gourmet Offensive © Anita Murphy July 2019

The popular falafel and vegetarian restaurant The Gourmet Offensive has closed down due to the pandemic, and ongoing economic pressure.

The Gourmet Offensive, which was named the best vegetarian takeaway in Ireland in 2019, closed the doors of their Mary Street restaurant last Friday.

TGO was founded by Floris Wagemakers, known around town as Flo or Mr Falafel, based on the concept of quick and tasty vegetarian food made with locally sourced ingredients.

The restaurant announced on social media last week that the effects of the past and half years, and the ongoing economic issues, have been more than they could handle for now,

“After much soul searching and deliberation we’ve come to the conclusion that it is time for us to end this chapter and start something new.”

“This was not an easy decision to make, like many small independent family businesses, we have faced unimaginable challenges over the past two and a half years.”

“The current economic climate and supply issues are against us, and the ongoing extensive renovations of our premises are forcing us into a position where we can no longer provide the service and passion for plant based food that we care so deeply about.”

The Gourmet Offensive started trading at the St Nicholas’ Market in 2005 with the falafel stall, and expanded to trade nationally at many of Ireland’s largest music festivals like Electric Picnic.

In 2015, they moved to their premises on Mary Street, where they have delighted customers in the years since,

However, not all is lost for those who’ve savoured their plant based food, as TGO have pledged that they will be back, albeit in a different form.

“We will be taking the month of August off to reconnect with our family and nature, and we look forward to announcing our new project in the very near future.”

In the meantime, that delicious food they offer will still be available through their stall in the St. Nicholas Market.

“Falafel, not chicken, arancini and of course, our chips will still be available in the @stnicolasmarket at the weekends.”

“We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of our loyal customers and staff, current and past, for making the place what it is.”

Urban jungle at ATU Galway City campus

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Briain Kelly

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June 27, 2022

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More than 120 different species of plants and animals have been recorded on the Galway City campus of Atlantic Technological University.

During the National Biodiversity Week in May, staff and students carried out a BioBlitz events, cataloging the wildlife they share their campus with.

A total of 128 species were recorded during the one-hour event by staff and students from a wide range of disciplines and local community group Friends of Merlin Woods.

The species list included 74 species of herbs and grasses, 28 species of trees and shrubs, 16 species of birds and ten insect species.

Of note were four species of bumblebee including white-tailed, red-tailed, common carder and buff-tailed bumblebees.

They also found several songbirds, including blackcap, robins, goldfinch and wrens.

Dr Mark Kelly, Head of ATU Galway-Mayo Centre for Sustainability, praised the efforts of the biodiversity group.

“The inaugural BioBlitz demonstrates the fantastic grassroots efforts that are going on across the ATU.”

“The university will continue to demonstrate a commitment to biodiversity conservation across all campuses.”

“I would especially like to thank staff, students and volunteers who showed such great commitment over the past year.”

Andrea Parisi and Alessio Volpato, postgraduate students, said that they very much enjoyed sharing their research, and showing the equipment used to gather data.

“The people who joined were very interested and keen to know more about our results.”

“Definitely a successful event that helped connect with the public, students and staff at ATU.”

Dr Heather Lally, Applied Freshwater and Marine Biology lecturer, added, “The species recorded show the value of our Galway City campus as a refuge for urban biodiversity.”

“Almost 60% of tree species recorded on campus during the event were native and the recording of more unique taxa such as the bee orchid shows how important our campus biodiversity is for local biodiversity.”

Council refuses planning for Galway United Centre of Excellence

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Briain Kelly

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June 27, 2022

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Galway daily sport Galway United Centre of Excellence — Photo: Google Maps

Galway County Council has refused planning permission for a Centre of Excellence training facility for Galway United FC and Connacht Hockey Association.

The planning application was made jointly by the two associations to create modern training and player development facilities over 25.21ha at Mountain South, Athenry.

The site is owned by the Comer Brothers, long time sponsors of Galway United who recently were approved to become the majority owners of the club.

Luke and Brian Comer had pledged to use the land for developing a centre of excellence for soccer in Galway back in 2018.

Centre of Excellence

The Centre of Excellence would involve building a single two storey sports centre including dressing rooms, gym, canteens, meeting rooms, offices, toilets’, storage areas and ancillary rooms.

Three natural grass, and three astro-turf soccer pitches, along with two hockey pitches would be built outside, along with their associated floodlighting.

The centre will also include two full enclosed astro-turf soccer pitches, and a fully enclosed soccer dome with changing rooms and seating.

Two other multi-purpose areas would cater to sports such as tennis, volleyball, etc.

Major infrastructure involved in the project would include creating a solar panel field, and erecting wind turbines to power the entire facility.

The existing access road onto what it currently agricultural land would have to be widened, realigned, and improved, and internal roadways and parking would have to be built.

Letters of support for the project were received from the Football Association of Ireland, and Hockey Ireland, with the latter noting that Connacht is often seen as a “poor relation” when it comes to sporting facilities.

Galway Cycling Campaign made a submission stating that the application was deficient in relation to active travel goals, and a lack of provision for people with reduced mobility, suggesting that it should be withdrawn, and a pre-planning meeting take place before any further application.

Planning refused

The County Council refused planning permission on multiple grounds related to the rural nature of the site, and road traffic concerns.

The council’s decision highlighted the unserviced nature of the site, and said that the brand new would be a “disorderly haphazard development” if approved.

Concerns were also raised by the county council about the site’s location in a fluvial flood risk zone, the ability to treat and dispose of sewage, and the lack of confirmation from Irish Water of the feasibility of connecting the site.

The decision also highlighted the hydrological links of the site to the Galway Bay Complex SAC, and potential negative impacts, and that the built form would not integrate with the rural area.

Significant issues were also raised about road traffic implications, with concerns about the adequacy of the local road network, sightlines where the site connects with the R347, and the fact that a Road Safety Audit was not submitted with the application.

Three TG4 films premiering at Galway Film Fleadh

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Briain Kelly

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June 27, 2022

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Galway Daily film Three TG4 films premiering at Galway Film Fleadh

Audiences at the Galway Film Fleadh next month will be the first to see three exciting new films from TG4 which will premiere at the festival.

In total, five films from TG4 will be screened at the film fleadh in July, including two from Cine4, an Irish language film scheme supported by Screen Ireland, the BAI, and TG4.

The next Cine4 film, Tarrac, is to receive its premiere at this year’s film festival. Tarrac is an intimate character drama set in the Kerry Gaeltacht.

Aoife Ní Bhraoin returns home to help her father, Brendán ‘The Bear’ Ó Briain, recover from a heart attack.

Day to day they get along just fine. As we dig a little deeper we find that there is so much that has been left unsaid about the loss of Aoife’s mother.

Another from the Cine4 pot is Róise & Frank, a family film has been a hit at festivals since its release earlier this year.

Awards for the film to date include, a Dublin Film Critic Circle Award, Best Ensemble at the Dublin International Film Festival and Audience awards at both the Santa Barbara and Sanoma International festivals.

It’s been two years since Róise lost her husband Frank. Isolated by grief, she has cut herself off from family and the village community.

The arrival of a mysterious dog, who seems intent on connecting with her, heralds a huge change, but is it for the better?

The dog loves hurling and steaks, has a favourite armchair in Rósie’s house, and an aversion to her neighbour, Donncha.

Other TG4 films to receive Irish and world premieres at this years Galway Film Fleadh are Aisling Trí Néallaibh and Cathair na Mílte Grian.

Aisling Trí Néallaibh (Clouded Reveries) is an intimate exploration of Doireann Ní Ghríofa’s world and creative process. It is a film about memories, motherhood and the mysterious nature of creativity.

Captured through intimate performances of her own work and in-depth interviews, the film reveals Ní Ghríofa’s creative impulses and journeys with her to the heart of her inspiration: her homeplace in Co. Clare.

Cathair na Mílte Grian (City of a Thousand Suns) is a cinematic pilgrimage exploring the cultural and psychological impacts of war. Part poem, part elegy, this film forges connections between the inhabitants of two distant cities, Dublin and Hiroshima.

Asking the questions: who are we, and how can we remain human in the era of industrial mechanical warfare?

Also screening will be An Buachaill Gealgháireach, the remarkable and untold story of a song. An Irish song called “The Laughing Boy” written by a teenage rebel Brendan Behan in memory of another iconic rebel, Michael Collins – the centenary of whose death is commemorated this year.

This song also had an extraordinary and dramatic afterlife as “To Gelasto Paidi,” the powerful left-wing anthem of resistance against the dictatorship that ruled Greece in the late 60s and early 70s.

Translated by the poet Vassilis Rotas, Behan’s words in Greek were set to music by the legendary Mikis Theodorakis, the most famous Greek composer of all time.

Check out the full programme of films and events for the 2022 Galway Film Fleadh, which is returning to Galway, July 5-10.

Weather warning for heavy rain and thunderstorms

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Briain Kelly

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June 27, 2022

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Galway Daily weather Weather warning for heavy rain in Galway tonight

A status yellow weather warning for heavy rain and thunderstorms in places will come into effect in Galway this afternoon.

A status yellow rain warning for Galway and Mayo has been issued by Met Eireann today.

“Spells of heavy rain at times, heaviest in coastal and mountainous areas.”

“Localised flooding and isolated thunderstorms possible,” the warning states.

This weather warning will be in effect from 1pm this afternoon, until 10am on Tuesday morning.

Two separate rain warnings for Cork and Waterford will also be in effect from this evening.

Tech company Expleo opening Galway office while adding 200 jobs

By

Briain Kelly

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June 27, 2022

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Galway Daily business Tech company Expleo opening Galway office while adding 200 jobs

Global tech and consulting firm Expleo has announced plans to open a regional office in Galway, as part of a major jobs expansion in Ireland.

The company is investing €10 million in the expansion of its workforce and new regional hubs Galway, Cork, and Limerick.

This expansion will see Expleo add 200 new jobs nationwide, bringing it’s total workforce in Ireland increase to 1,000 employees.

The majority of the 200 jobs will be highly skilled IT roles in disciplines including software development, DevOps, software engineering and technical engineering.

The company has said that the new jobs will offer a mix of working from home, and working from these hub offices, and client sites.

Phil Codd, Managing Director, Expleo Ireland, said, “We’re thrilled to announce our expansion plans as Expleo continues to go from strength to strength on the island of Ireland.”

“Following extensive research of available resources and skills throughout the country, it was evident that regional hubs would provide Expleo with the additional talent and impetus we need to deliver on our ambitious growth plans.”

The first of these three planned regional hubs has already opened at Mahon, in Co. Cork.

“We’re also looking forward to expanding our national footprint further with new hubs in Galway and Limerick also expected to open this year,” Phil Codd added.

Expleo offers a range of technology, engineering and consulting services to businesses in over 30 countries.

The company has seen a 25% growth in Irish revenues over the last two years, spurred by widespread digitalisation across all industries.

Appeals lodged against Salthill housing development

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Briain Kelly

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June 27, 2022

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Galway Daily news An Bord Pleanála green light's Salthill housing development

Multiple appeals have been lodged by local residents against planning permission for a residential development in Salthill.

K King Construction received approval from the city council to build 22 houses on an unused site at Rockbarton Court in Salthill last month.

The plans were heavily opposed by local residents, with 17 objections made to the council expressing concerns about the scale of the development for the site, overshadowing, and loss of residential amenity.

The original plans were for 25 homes, but three were removed from the eastern side of the development after council planners, and public submissions, expressed concern about encroachment on the boundaries of the site.

The estate will have a total of 26 parking spaces, after the council said that the originally planned 31 spaces was excessive.

The public open space for the housing estate was also redesigned after planners raised doubts about the level and quality of space provided in the original plans.

The City Council granted planning permission for the housing development with 18 conditions attached, including prohibiting any bulk sales of the houses.

Multiple appeals have now been made to An Bord Pleanála against the council’s decision by local residents.

Among the concerns raised in the appeal are potential overshadowing of existing homes in the area, further strain on already poor water pressure, and the removal of mature indigenous trees from the site.

An Bord Pleanála is due to rule on these appeals by October 13 of this year.

COVID-19 cases more than double at UHG

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Briain Kelly

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June 27, 2022

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Galway daily news COVID-19 cases more than double at UHG

The number of COVID-19 cases at University Hospital Galway has more than doubled in the past week alone, but ICU admissions are unchanged.

As of Sunday evening there were 49 confirmed cases of the disease at UHG, seven more than the previous day, and up from 21 a week prior.

At Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe there are 17 known COVID cases, which is actually three fewer than 24 hours prior, and just two more than a week ago.

Fortunately, there has not yet been a corresponding increase in ICU admissions for the virus.

These figures remain unchanged at two cases apiece in the ICU at Portiuncula Hospital, and UHG.

Nationwide there were 747 patients with COVID-19 in Irish hospitals as of 8pm Sunday, up from 593 a week before.

The number of patients in serious condition being treated in the ICU has risen from 23 to 30 in the same period.

Gardaí running #SlowDown road safety campaign

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Briain Kelly

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June 26, 2022

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

Gardaí will be running a road safety campaign on social media throughout next week, encouraging drivers to slow down to save lives.

The #SlowDown campaign will run from Monday to Sunday in response to the rising number of fatalities on Irish roads this year.

Speaking today Chief Superintendent Michael Hennebry, Garda National Roads Policing Bureau said, “So far this year, 83 people have already lost their lives on our roads.”

“This is not just a number, these are people, husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, friends, colleagues.”

“Please reduce your speed in all circumstances, speed limits are not targets and we must change our driving culture and behaviours if we are to save the lives of those we love.”

The aim of this campaign is to encourage all roads users to modify their behaviour on our roads and to encourage all age groups to think about road safety and how they can influence the behaviours of others.

The #Slowdown Campaign will run for one week from Monday 27th June until Sunday 3rd July and will feature a number of well-known #SlowDown Ambassadors from around the country.

Galway through to All-Ireland SFC Semi-Final

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Briain Kelly

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June 26, 2022

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Galway Daily sport County senior hurling final replay - All you need to know

Galway have beaten Armagh to get through to the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship semi-finals.

The Tribesmen snatched victory in the penalties after a match that came right down to the wire.

Shane Walsh, Damien Comer, Rob Finnerty, and Mathew Tierney scored the penalties for Galway, while only Rian O’Neill was able to put one in the net for Armagh.

The score stood at Galway 2-18 to Armagh’s 3-21 after extra time.

Galway will go on to play in the semi-final against the winner of Kerry v Mayo, which is coming up next at Croke Park.

Galway medtech company says EU funding will allow them to finish clinical trials

By

Briain Kelly

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June 26, 2022

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Galway Daily business Galway medtech company says EU funding will allow them to finish clinical trials

The founder of a Galway based medtech company said that recently announced EU funding will help them get their product through clinical trials, and onto the market.

Loci Orthopaedics, who are developing an implant for people suffering from arthritis of the thumb, was one of two Galway companies chosen for the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator Programme.

They, along with InveraMedical in Galway, will share in €23 million in funding and supports for four Irish companies under the EIC accelerator.

Dr. Brendan Boland, CEO at Loci Orthopaedics said that the funding from the EU is a “major endorsement” of their efforts to tackle an “unmet clinical need” in thumb base joint arthritis.

The InDx Implant created by Loci is the first ever implant for the base join of the thumb that fully mimics the movement of the natural joint.

“The EIC Accelerator Funding will enable the company to finish clinical trials and gain regulatory clearance so we can get our new technology, literally, into the hands of those that need it most,” Dr Boland said.

Loci Orthopaedics was founded in 2017 by Dr Boland and Mr Gerry Clarke as an NUIG spin out company, and is based at the university’s Innovation Centre.

The other Galway medtech company chosen for the EIC Accelerator Programme, InveraMedical, is based out of the Innovation Hub at Atlantic Technological University’s Galway campus.

The medtech company is developing a groundbreaking medical devices for the treatment of varicose veins and venous ulcers, collectively known as chronic venous disease.

Stephen Cox, CEO of InVera Medical said that this funding is a “huge step forward” in the execution of their plans to scale up.

“This EIC Accelerator funding will hugely benefit the quality of life of EU and US venous leg ulcer patients as we bring our medical device treatment to the market over the coming years.”

“The experience and guidance of Enterprise Ireland was a key factor in our EIC success, and their continued support is greatly appreciated.”

The EIC Accelerator Programme provides funding to high-potential, high-risk start-ups, scale ups and SMEs that are already making progress on products with the potential to disrupt existing markets, or create new ones.

The Programme provides grant funding of up to €2.5 million combined with an equity investment ranging from €0.5 to €15 million.

This round of the programme saw a total of 74 companies from 18 European countries selected by panels of experts, to receive a total of €382 million in funding.

Enterprise Ireland CEO, Leo Clancy, said that the success of the four Irish companies in getting funding showcases Ireland as a “world-leading location” for start-ups and scaling businesses.

Galway Weather: Wet and windy start to the week ahead

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Briain Kelly

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June 26, 2022

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Galway Daily weather Wet start to the New Year but brighter colder weather coming our way

The coming week promises to get off to the a wet and windy start, with some sunshine later in the week, though conditions will remain unsettled.

Sunday will see frequent showers interspersed with sunny spells throughout, with moderate to fresh westerly winds throughout the day.

Temperatures today will reach highs of 13 to 16 degrees, dropping to lows of 9 or 10 degrees overnight.

Monday will start off okay, with some isolated showers, but mostly dry with sunny spells as well.

However, rain will develop as the afternoon progresses, turning and persistent and heavy later in the day and throughout the night.

A light westerly wind in the morning will veer southerly and become moderate in strength later in the day. Highest temperatures on Monday of 12 to 15 degrees.

Tuesday will see a very wet start according to Met Eireann, and while the rain will get lighter as the day goes on, showers will remain persistent, and heavy at times.

Despite this, there will also be patches of sunshine, and temperatures reaching highs of 17 degrees in places inland.

Things will start to improve on Wednesday, as the day will be mostly dry apart from some scattered showers in the early afternoon, with more sunshine later in the day.

A light westerly wind on Wednesday, with temperatures reaching highs of 13 to 15 degrees, warmer inland.

Countdown to the Galway International Arts Festival

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Briain Kelly

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June 26, 2022

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13GIAF box office opening socials — The Galway International Arts Festival Box Office is officially open! Photo: Andrew Downes, Xposure

There’s just two weeks to go until the kick off the 2022 Galway International Arts Festival, which promises to bring the streets of Galway alive once again.

Some shows are already starting to sell out, so if you’ve had your eye on anything, book your ticket’s for this year’s arts festival before they’re gone.

Highlights from this year’s theatre programme include The First Child, composed by Donnacha Dennehy and written/directed by Enda Walsh, and The Tin Soldier, a brilliant new co-production by The Gate and Theatre Lovett.

The Heineken Big Top is back this summer with legendary acts such as The Flaming Lips, The Academic, and Jon Hopkins.

This year’s festival sees the return of Chicago’s world-renowned Steppenwolf with Sam Shepard’s True West as well as breathtaking choreography, music and storytelling from Geoff Sobelle with HOME.

Ireland’s Pavillion from the Venice Biennale of Architecture – a new site-specific installation from John Gerard will be unveiled on the Galway Docks, and the Festival Garden will return to Eyre Square.

From Dance, Opera, and Drama, to Comedy, Music, and Street Spectacle, there is truly something for everyone in this year’s Festival programme.

Pop into the arts festival Box Office at the Cornstore, or go online at https://www.giaf.ie/festival/events.

The Box Office opening hours are:

20 June – 1 July – Mon thru Fri, 10am-5pm
4 – 24 July – Mon thru Sat, 10am-5pm, Sundays, 12-5pm

This is also the location of the GIAF Volunteers Hub, which will be buzzing with activity in the coming weeks.

Council blocks 24m telecoms tower near Ring Road route

By

Briain Kelly

-

June 26, 2022

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Galway Daily news Planning refused again for Galway City mobile tower

Galway City Council has refused planning permission for a 24m high mobile and broadband mast due to its proximity to the Ring Road route.

Vantage Towers Ltd sought permission to erect a 24m high lattice telecoms tower on a site off the Cappagh Road.

The project would have also included antennas, dishes, headframe and associated telecommunications equipment, all enclosed by security fencing.

The planning application stated that it was being made “specifically on behalf of Vodafone and also for eir and Three Ireland.”

The new tower is needed as the existing monopole mast is due to be decommissioned, and no suitable alternate site has been identified, it also states.

In refusing permission, the city council said that the site location, and its access road, are in “close proximity” to the approved route for the N6 Ring Road.

“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 also said that Vantage Towers hadn’t shown that the mast wouldn’t have a negative impact on the protected site, the Galway Bay Complex SAC and SPA.

The council inspector noted that the developer had not submitted any reports on environmental screening of the site.

Two third party public submissions objecting to the project on multiple grounds had been made to the council also, and Transport Infrastructure Ireland also recommended refusal due to the Ring Road.

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Centre of Excellence

Planning refused

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