Progress made in plans for amalgamated primary school in Tuam

-

June 29, 2022

galway daily news family carers ireland survey launch — Pictured is Family Carer Tracy Carroll and her five-year-old daughter Willow from Kells, Co Meath with (from right) Family Carers Ireland’s Catherine Cox, Head of Communications and Policy, Dr. Nikki Dunne, Research Manager, and Clare Duffy, Policy and Public Affairs Manager. PHOTO: Mark Stedman

Family Carers Ireland has called on the Government to ensure those caring for loved ones with additional needs receive fair compensation are not excluded from supports due to their means.

In its pre-budget submission, the charity supporting over half a million family carers in Ireland is calling for a complete overhaul of the Carer’s Allowance scheme which would result in the abolition of the means test.

The call comes as a survey of almost 1,500 current family carers highlights the huge personal and financial cost of caring for a loved one.

The State of Caring 2022, published today, finds that over two thirds of family carers (68%) surveyed are already experiencing financial distress, 13% are in arrears with their rent or mortgage and 16% are behind on utility bills.

Almost a quarter (23%) of those struggling financially are cutting back on essentials such as food and heat to make ends meet.

The report suggests that significant numbers are experiencing fuel and food poverty, with 5% of those surveyed reporting a reliance on food banks and 9% on charities.

The survey also found that many rely on borrowing from family (29%), taking out loans (15%) and overdrafts from the bank (19%).

This is on top of deep concern about practical support where 70% reported difficulty accessing services for at least one of the people they care for.

More than half of respondants (52%) said that at least one of the people they care for are currently on a waiting list, 69% experience barriers accessing respite, while 24% have experienced a delay or reduction in the delivery of home support hours/packages due to shortage of homecare workers.

As a result, many are struggling financially, physically and emotionally with 71% feeling left out of society and 51% reporting feeling severely lonely since the onset of the pandemic.

Family Carers Ireland said the Government must undertake an urgent review of Carer’s Allowance, to reclassify the scheme, abolish of the means-test or set up a Participation Income for carers.

Pending this review, they say that the weekly rate of Carer’s Allowance should increase to €325.

The charity also believes that the Government must address the ‘gross inadequacy of children’s disability services’ by extending the NTPF to include psychology, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy and physiotherapy.

Other calls by the charity include investing the resources needed to fully operationalise the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act, providing €5m in annual funding to deliver the Carer’s Guarantee to reduce the gaps in carer support across the country, and increasing the Tax Credits available to family carers and make Carer’s Allowance exempt from tax.

Catherine Cox, Head of Communications and Policy at Family Carers Ireland, said that the survey reveals ‘quite clearly that existing state supports just do not go far enough’.

“The time for change has come,” she said. “It is imperative that the Government uses Budget 2023 to begin to transform what has now become an antiquated and paternalistic model of support for family carers into a mutual and equal partnership where those caring for loved ones are valued for their immense contribution; receive fair compensation for the care they provide and are not excluded from supports due to their means.”

Rapid increase in COVID admissions at UHG

By

-

June 29, 2022

University Hospital Galway is dealing with a rapid increase in COVID-19 positive admissions this week, while also seeing very high numbers of attendances through the Emergency Department.

The hospital is currently treating 65 patients with COVID-19 – an increase of 15 patients since Monday.

There are two patients with COVID-19 in ICU today and three wards in the hospital are dedicated to COVID care.

In addition to the impact of COVID-19, the Emergency Department is also extremely busy.

Very high numbers are attending the Emergency Department for treatment and people are experiencing long waiting times on trolleys before being admitted to a bed on a ward.

This pressure on bed availability is impacting scheduled elective care; some elective procedures are being postponed and patients will be contacted directly if their procedure is postponed.

The hospital acknowledged that delays in the Emergency Department and postponing procedures are very difficult for patients and their families and has apologised for the inconvenience and distress these delays cause.

Visitors

Visiting hours are from 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm. However, due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation the hospital is advising that the number of visitors per patient is kept to a minimum with no more than one visitor per patient at any one time at the bedside.

For COVID-19 wards the following will apply: Access for visiting is limited to one family member / nominated person per patient per day and all visits must be pre-arranged by the family members / nominated visitor, who should contact the relevant ward or unit in advance.

For the safety of patients at UHG, the hospital urged visitors to use hand gel regularly, wear a mask at all times, and not to visit the hospital if they have any symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in contact with anyone with COVID-19.

INMO records highest ever trolley figures for June

By

-

June 29, 2022

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation has recorded its highest level of overcrowding in Irish hospitals for June since its records began in 2006.

A total of 608 patients were without a bed in hospitals nationally yesterday, and the INMO’s general secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha said that autumn and winter will be ‘very bleak’ unless the issue is tackled head on.

She said that by allowing trolley numbers to continue to rise every passing day in summer, there is an acceptance that chronic overcrowding is going to be the key features of the health service this winter.

“Our emergency departments are pressure cookers at the moment,” said Phil Ní Sheaghdha.

“The fact that COVID cases have increased by over 333% in hospitals in the space of three weeks coupled with long wait times to be admitted is a disaster waiting to happen.”

She added that it is not normal that for fourth time this year we are seeing trolley numbers go over 6oo at the end of June.

“There are actions that the HSE can take in the short, medium and long term to tackle this crisis including the immediate cancellation of non-urgent elective care and the reintroduction of COVID testing when a patient presents at the ED.”

Ní Sheaghdha added that the Emergency Taskforce must immediately convene, and that the HSE and Minister for Health ‘cannot continue to ignore the importance of this body’ when it comes to tackling the root causes of the chaotic scenes we are seeing in emergency departments across the country.

Local TD welcomes changes to RSS, Tús & Community Employment

By

-

June 29, 2022

galway daily news claire kerrane at dáil child maintenance

A Galway TD has today welcomed changes that will be made to the Rural Social Scheme, Tús & Community Employment.

Roscommon-Galway TD Claire Kerrane welcomed the government’s decision to remove the six-year rule, which would have seen up to 1,400 people forced off the RSS next year due to them being six years on the Scheme.

The Sinn Féin TD said that this would have had a devastating impact on community organisations from healthcare to services for older people, GAA clubs, community halls, and many others.

“I have repeatedly raised the impending crisis coming if the six-year rule went ahead with the Minister responsible, Joe O’Brien,” said Deputy Kerrane.

“Up to now, the response had always been that the six-year rule was needed to ensure new people could get onto the Scheme.

“Of course, the figures speak for themselves in clearly showing this is not an issue with over 300 vacancies today.”

She said that at a recent public meeting, Galway Rural Development provided a list of 172 organisations in Co. Galway who either had no support, insufficient support, or were about to lose support.

These included Ahascragh Parish Hall, several Brothers of Charity, East Galway & Midlands Cancer Support, Mountbellew Agricultural College.

Kerrane said that the changes are a step in the right direction, and she commended Galway Rural Development for taking the stand that they did, “really leading from the front on the protection of both Tús & the Rural Social Scheme”.

Gardaí issue warning about rise in romance scams

By

-

June 29, 2022

galway daily love romance fraud news gardaí scam

Gardaí have issued a warning to the public about a rise in the number of money laundering romance scams.

In September 2021, Gardaí received a request for assistance from the Hungarian Police through Interpol.

They were investigating a case of Romance Fraud where a female was deceived into sending $4,000 to fraudulent account. Investigations by the Hungarian Police identified that the money was credited to an Irish bank account.

Garda National Economic Crime Bureau identified who the holder of the account was and an analysis of the account showed that between September 2020 and October 2021, there were 46 suspicious credits into this bank account from 12 different people in eight European countries – Germany, Croatia, Austria, Hungary, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Poland and the UK.

The total amount credited in this 12-month period was €109,880.28. All of the people who credited the money consisted of 11 females and one male.

Once the credit is made to the account, the funds are immediately withdrawn in cash, transferred electronically and used in point of sale transactions in successive days leaving very little in the account until the next credit is made.

It is suspected that each of the 12 people who credited money to his account are the victims of Romance Fraud.

The holder of this account was arrested this year in June 2022 and the investigation continues.

This particular fraud is enabled via online dating sites or other social media by fraudsters who will provide the victims with well-prepared stories designed to deceive.

The victims develop online relationships with the fraudsters who use fake identities, photographs and life stories.

Inevitably, the fraudster will ask their victim for money. The fraudster will continue to ask for money until the victim has no more money to give or realise they are being deceived.

This crime often leaves vulnerable people with a feeling of hurt and mistrust in addition to their financial loss. In some recent cases we have seen the criminals targeting people with learning difficulties.

The advice from GNECB to any person on a dating site or in communication with a person they never met over social media is:

1. Use reputable dating sites and use their messaging service. Do not move to social media or texting too quickly. Be especially wary of unsolicited links or approaches or suggested likes.
2. Be careful what you share on social media and online dating websites. Do not reveal your full name or home address. Protect your identity.
3. Be wary of anyone asking lots of questions about you but not revealing much about themselves. They will come across as being the ideal person. They will like what you like. Their interests will mirror yours. If you like classical 18th century French Poetry, then so will they. They family situation will mirror yours. They will want what you want. They want you to provide live videos but they can’t / won’t. Watch out for snippets of conversation which are out of sync with previous chats. These fraudsters are engaging with multiple victims at the same time, following scripts prepared for them and they can get mixed up on occasions as to which victim they are talking to.
4. Never send money or give your bank details to somebody you have never met, no matter how much you believe and trust them. Do not download apps like AnyDesk at their behest or allow them control over your device
5. Do not send them money or pay for medical bills, purchase flights, or VISAs, pay customs fees or make any payment for them to come to visit you.
6. Do not invest your money in any ‘opportunities’ offered by them or anyone whom you only ‘met’ online. Always seek independent financial and legal advice first.
7. Remember individuals can pretend to be anyone they want to be online. You can google an image to see if it comes up on several sites or profiles.
8. Never provide copies of your personal documents such as passports or driving licences.
9. Never make arrangements or travel to meet them unless you are sure of their identity. Make sure you confide in someone and ensure that the person is aware you are confiding in someone else.
10. Save copies of correspondence with him.
11. Don’t be embarrassed about reporting it to Gardaí, you are not alone. These are professional fraudsters who use social engineering tactics over protracted periods of time
12. If you think you have fallen victim, contact your bank immediately. The quicker you act the better chance of recouping any lost funds

From January, 2022 to end of May, 2022 there have been 31 cases reported to An Garda Síochána – 23 female and 8 men. The average age of injured parties who are female is 44 years and the average age for men is 47 years.

The youngest victim was 27 years of age and the oldest was 69 years of age. In all cases, except one the victims, encountered the suspect over a dating app or through social media.

In total, these 31 cases reported the loss of €812,715. In almost every case, the money was transferred to accounts outside Ireland or to bitcoin wallets. This is an International crime type and victims are encountered and exploited online and deceived into transferring money abroad. This is done to ensure the suspects can cash out and to frustrate investigations. An Garda Síochána say that these crimes are underreported.

Six projects selected to celebrate NUIG’s institutional history

By

-

June 29, 2022

galway daily news nui galway lecturer giving talk on heart in 1939 — Professor Welsh, Professor of Pathology, Hygiene and Medical Jurisprudence giving a lecture on the heart to fourth-year medical students on 22 March 1939. Credit – NUI Galway.

NUI Galway has selected six projects by current and retired staff to showcase the breadth of the history of the institution.

NUI Galway was established in 1845 as Queen’s College Galway, and following construction of the iconic Quadrangle building, the University opened its doors four years later to the first cohort of just 68 students.

The six projects selected aim to draw on the history and heritage of the institution and to deepen its connection to the community and its focus on working for public good.

“I am particularly pleased that these research projects are rooted in our university community in all of its diversity,” the university’s president, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh.

“They include research on the history of LGBTQ in our university, as well as that of the Irish Traveller community here. They draw on the collective memory of our retired staff, who hold so much institutional knowledge and social history of this place,” he said.

“The projects include the beginning of Irish language scholarship in the university through the figure of Tomás Ó Máille, as well as the development of our Library and archives – both of which set this university apart. And they engage students in using the most up-to-date technologies to record our current shape and size for future scholars.”

The initiative to select six projects follows on from the celebration of the university’s 175th anniversary in 2020.

Culture and Citizenship: Tomás Ó Máille by Professor Lillis Ó Laoire and Dr Deirdre Ní Chonghaile

This exhibition celebrates the life and work of Professor Tomás Ó Máille (1880-1938), Galway’s first Professor of Irish from 1909 to 1938. A folklore collector, linguist, newspaper editor, one-time Irish Volunteer and founding member of An Taibhdhearc, he is best known for his books An Béal Beo and An tIomaire Rua.

Ó Máille recorded hundreds of wax cylinders – recently digitized – of songs and stories from Irish speakers from every county west of the Shannon.

A key figure in the emergence of the modern Irish state, culture and citizenship are the cornerstones of Ó Máille’s legacy.

The exhibition will run in the Hardiman Research Building from September 16 until December before touring.

Exploring LGBTQ+ Lives at NUI Galway by Dr Declan Coogan and NUI Galway LGBT+ Staff Network Committee.

The key question this project will seek to answer is who/what were the people, places and events within or led by our university that influenced progress on human rights for LGBTQ+ people?

The project will also ask about the issues that remain to be resolved and co-develop strategies the university and partners might adopt to promote future progress.

MincéirsArchive – An Online Digital Archive of the Irish Travelling Community by Owen Ward, the Traveller History and Culture Sub-Working Group, Mincéirs Misl’d in Education Committee, Mincéirs Whiden Society, and Kieran Hoare, NUI Galway Library

This is a digital archive of a growing collection of all types, complemented by historical documents and scholarly texts.

It will illustrate NUI Galway’s positive relationship with the Irish Traveller community, enhancing our university’s reputation as a champion for equality, inclusion and diversity.

The collection will include items from numerous archives and the team are making a public call for donations of historical materials linked to Traveller culture.

History of the Library in 100 Objects by Marie Boran, Caitriona Cannon, Geraldine Curtin, Patricia Ffrench and Emma Goode, with assistance from Eimhin Joyce and NUI Galway Library

The Library opened in 1849, with the distinguished scholar and historian, James Hardiman, as the first librarian.

One hundred objects will be chosen from collections – including books, manuscripts, archival collections, letters, photographs, newspaper issues, library furniture, stationery or artefacts – to tell its story.

A Virtual and Tactile Record of the NUI Galway Campus Today by Eileen Kennedy and MakerSpace student volunteers

Drone photography and photogrammetry will be used to generate a snapshot of the University campus as it stands, 177 years since its founding, and create a 3d virtual campus map.

A Visual History Archive for NUI Galway: The Retired Staff Collection by Professor Jane Conroy, Professor Gerard Jennings, and Dr Séamus Mac Mathúna on behalf of the Retired Staff Association/Agallamh na Seanórach

Drawing on private collections of photographs and film, this project will create a visual record of the University’s past.

It will be the first university in Ireland to document and preserve its history and the history of its people and community in this way.

Tiny island school issues fresh appeal for new students

By

Ciaran Tierney

-

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

By

-

June 28, 2022

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

By

-

June 28, 2022

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.

1 of 3

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

By

-

June 28, 2022

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.

1 of 2

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

-

June 28, 2022

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

By

-

June 28, 2022

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

By

-

June 28, 2022

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

By

-

June 27, 2022

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

By

-

June 27, 2022

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

By

-

June 27, 2022

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

By

-

June 27, 2022

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

-

June 27, 2022

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

By

-

June 27, 2022