Must be done for remote workers in rural communities says Kerrane

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June 9, 2022

NUI Galway has dropped twelve places to 270th in the 2023 QS world rankings, while Trinity College Dublin is now among the top 100 universities in the world.

The latest edition of the QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) world rankings measured the performance of almost 1,500 universities across 100 countries.

NUI Galway is still the fourth highest performing university on the island of Ireland, after Trinity (98th), UCD (181st) and Queen’s University Belfast (233rd).

University College Cork and Dublin City University are also in the top 500, at 303 and 471 respectively.

The QS World University Rankings use a number of criteria to measure the performance of colleges, from academic reputation to the number of international students enrolled.

For the 11th year in a row, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) remains the world’s number one university by the QS metrics.

The University of Cambridge climbed above the University of Oxford to now be the top university in the UK, while Stanford University and Harvard University have retained their top 5 positions from last year.

Trolley crisis must be given same urgency as Dublin Airport queues – INMO

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June 9, 2022

The government must show the same urgency to fix the trolley crisis as was shown towards the long queues at Dublin Airport at the end of May, the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation has said.

The INMO called for an urgent meeting of the HSE Emergency Department Taskforce in light of abnormal trolley figures for this time of year.

There were 546 patients without a bed in Irish hospitals yesterday, with 46 of those at University Hospital Galway.

INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha said that it was ‘not normal’ to have 546 patients without a bed on 8 June.

She said that unless action is taken, we are going to continue to see high numbers of patients without a bed in our hospitals.

Yesterday’s high level of overcrowding was not isolated to University Hospital Limerick, but a number of hospitals including UHG recorded dozens of patients on trolleys.

The INMO said that the HSE Emergency Department Taskforce must urgently convene to put a hospital-by-hospital plan in place in the short, medium, and long-term.

“This is time to plan for the winter. The outcome of the Minister of Health’s request to examine and issue recommendations in University Hospital Limerick must be provided to the Taskforce without delay.”

Phil Ní Sheaghdha said that members of the public are being constantly let down when it comes to timely access to healthcare.

“Longer term implications of these inhumane wait times are reported on but ignored.

“Waiting for care in inappropriate locations causes patients to have much poorer outcomes, why are we still waiting for the plan to deal with this important issue?

“The same all of government approach is needed to fixing the current trolley crisis as was applied to the long queues over one weekend in Dublin Airport.”

“The Mincéirs Whiden Society gives us a place where we can all be ourselves”

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Emma Ward

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June 8, 2022

galway daily news irish travellers win award nuig — L to R - Michelle Whyte BICS Vice Chairperson, Owen Ward NUI Galway Traveller Education Officer, NUI Galway Mincéirs Whiden Society Committee Members Luke Silke , Aurora Gifford, Rebecca Sherlock, Jason Sherlock, Ríona Hughes, NUI Galway Societies Officer & BICS Strategid Development Officer and David Cuddihy BICS Chairperson. Winning Best Society at the BICS National Awards.

When NUI Galway’s Mincéirs Whiden Society won the 2022 Best ‘Cultural, Academic and Social Society’ at the Board of Irish College Societies (BICS) in April, it couldn’t have happened on a more fitting date – on the eve of International Traveller and Roma Day.

The student society – the first of its kind in an Irish university – gives Irish Traveller students a place where they can go and speak with other Irish Travellers.

As a Committee Member, I know first-hand of the excellent moral support the society offers.

It also gives us a place where we all can be ourselves.

We don’t have to hide our backgrounds as proud Irish Traveller students in third-level education; alongside this, we continuously connect with other societies and settled people.

It is truly amazing what our Society keeps achieving.

The award in April was the first time Irish Travellers took home the accolade, and the society’s secretary Jason Sherlock thanked the Board of Irish College Societies, Socsbox 2 (NUI Galway Societies’ Office), and Riona – NUI Galway’s Societies Officer.

He explained for those who don’t know, that ‘Mincéirs Whiden’ means ‘Irish Travellers Talking’ in our own language Cant.

“We are the first Irish Traveller University Society in Ireland, and we will not be the last!”

Jason also thanked the committee of Mincéirs Whiden Society for all of their work throughout the year.

Societies Officer Riona Hughes said ‘it was very emotional’ at the BICS Awards when we won Best Society.

“It was obvious from the resounding applause from the students in attendance, from all the colleges, that it was a popular win,” she said.

“I am very proud of what the society has achieved, being the first society of its kind in Ireland. The support they give to students from the Irish Traveller community and other students from indigenous backgrounds is very important.

“They create a safe space as well as opening the conversation with their fellow students about their culture and celebrating their many important traditions.

“As Societies Officer, I am particularly grateful for having the opportunity to support this cohort of inspiring students who challenge stereotypes and make our campus a more open and inviting environment for everyone.”

I also spoke to NUI Galway President, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh and asked him some questions about our society.

How familiar are you with the Mincéirs Whiden Society?

“I am familiar with the Mincéirs Whiden Society, I know Jason Sherlock and Owen Ward, and it is a society I’d like to work with more as it makes a big difference. At the time it was being set up, it was a way for Irish Travellers to get to know each other as they would not have known that they were here and to help support each other.

“Mincéirs Whiden Society is fantastic for this. Another thing that is nice about Mincéirs Whiden Society is that it was set up by Irish Travellers and allies to support each other because what is important to me is that the students are empowering themselves like starting the society; I was delighted when I went on to see them off to Wexford on the bus.”

Do you think it is important that there is an Irish Traveller student society?

“One of the things that I have often said that I want to do more of here is to make the University a place where everybody feels comfortable, make friends and where they know they have support.

“I grew up in Newcastle (Galway City), and I used to walk through the campus. I want everyone to have the same feeling that they can do that too, and Mincéirs Whiden Society is vital in that Irish Travellers are underrepresented in universities.

“I think there must be a network of students who have had the same experiences because it shows people that they too can do that or if they have had a problem; someone else probably had the same problem or similar, and you can share that with them and not feel alone. So, it is important to me that the Society has that purpose.”

What is NUI Galway doing specifically for Irish Travellers? We are aware that there are grants (University of Sanctuary Scholarships). There is a Full-Time Irish Traveller Education Officer (Owen Ward). We are also aware of the possibility of a Lecture Hall being named after an Irish Traveller.

“There are a couple of good examples, like the University of Sanctuary Scholarships.

“We have Owen Ward visible for Irish Travellers to show that someone can be mentored by someone who has had similar experiences as them, and we have Jason Sherlock on our Academic Council. We could do more possibly.

“There is also the Access programme; many Irish Travellers have completed this to prepare for university. We also have had ‘Irish Traveller Ethnicity Day’ on campus. We hosted it with President of Ireland Michael D Higgins in the Quadrangle, which made it very central and visible.

“We also had the traditional Wagon (Caravan) on campus just before Covid-19. Overall, we are trying to make the University’s support more visible and to show that everyone can feel that they belong here.

“That is important for me as president; I go to these events and take the time to signal that this is very important for the University.”

What was your reaction when you heard that the Minceirs Whiden Society had won the 2022 Best Society (Cultural, Academic and Social) on the island of Ireland at the Board of Irish College Societies Annual National Awards in Wexford’?

“I was delighted; I was delighted when they were shortlisted because they are a society that is not that long founded.

“It has been two or three years since it was founded, and it is almost like an arrival. NUI Galway recognizes the Society, but it is further recognized throughout the country for making a considerable difference. To me, it says that the Mincéirs Whiden Society has arrived now.”

Do you think there will be similar societies for Irish Travellers Students in third-level education? We hope the Mincéirs Whiden Society effected a change in that regard.

“Yes, we hope that Mincéirs Whiden Society will be a part of that again because it is a national opportunity, and for Irish Travellers, NUI Galway could do better. I think we are at the forefront, but Irish Travellers are at other universities.

“It is also about having a balance between recognizing that everybody belongs here and cherishing everybody’s ethnicities and backgrounds. It is not saying that we are all the same but saying we are all different, which is essential.

“The strength of any university is difference and diversity, which is an integral part for me. The Mincéirs Whiden Society shows that it has a unique opportunity to support students.”

In the Mincéirs Whiden Society, we feel that you are a great president and often unique in how you interact with students. It is often said you are one of a kind and highly respected for doing what you do. This kindness is something special from our point of view, and I would like to ask why you behave differently than the rest?

“I cannot comment on other presidents as I do not know. I have often thought of why I have acted the way I have; everybody has different views.

“I can think of a few things, I grew up in Newcastle (Galway City), and we had Irish Travellers as part of our community. My mother taught literacy to adult Irish Traveller women, and I think that it’s nice that two generations later that the same families are involved in education.

“The school I went to at the time was quite diverse, and there were Irish Travellers in my class, which may be shown in my presidency. I also think it’s because I felt lucky to be able to walk through here. I want everyone else to have the same experience; I think that is possible.”

And lastly, Ciaran, is there anything else you would like to add?

“Yes, there are a couple of things. You have thanked me a lot, but for me, I would like to thank you and the Mincéirs Whiden Society and the Irish Traveller community who made it, who make a difference here, because for me, it is important.

“The University should welcome all the talents, and it is better for it. We should, and it is not just about a responsibility that we have, but we’re better because you’re here; I am learning from you, and all our communities learn from each other.

“I have learned from everybody I have met, and it’s a privilege for me; I shouldn’t be thanked, but I am very grateful that I can learn and to meet you and learn from you and Mincéirs Whiden Society.

“It is the students that set up the Society, they had the courage and commitment, the vitality and I am sure it hasn’t been easy a lot of the time.

“Another thing that is important to me about the Mincéirs Whiden Society is that it’s a student society and I think that’s good.

“Sometimes it hasn’t been easy, and sometimes the University needs to be challenged, and I also like those students come and say that something isn’t right, and it needs to be fixed. That makes us better, which is really important.”

Electric charging infrastructure ‘falling way behind demand’ says local TD

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June 8, 2022

galway daily news Electric Car registrations in Galway increased 30% in 2023

Galway East TD Seán Canney has said that the electric charging infrastructure is falling ‘way behind demand’ in Galway, with no on-street public chargers available in the county.

The Independent TD said that he is aware of two families who bought electric cars, but sold them again as there were too few electric charging points available.

He said that the Government is ‘sleepwalking us into another mess’ when it comes to climate change by not making the necessary changes to match the demand for public charging points.

“With a target of one million electric cars in the country by 2030, the pace of building electric vehicle infrastructure is sporadic and is not meeting the current demand and if this continues we will never meet the expected demand,” said Deputy Canney.

“It is typical of a great idea becoming a nightmare as Government are failing to deliver. Ireland needs to provide a network of charging infrastructure to meet the expected demand over the next 8 years.”

Man (70s) in critical condition after being knocked down by truck

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June 8, 2022

Galway Daily news missing teen found safe

A man in his 70s is in a critical condition at University Hospital Galway after being knocked down by a truck in Galway city this morning, Wednesday.

At around 10am, Gardaí were alerted following a collision involving a truck and a pedestrian at Prospect Hill.

The pedestrian was removed from the scene to hospital where his condition is understood to be critical.

The road at the site of the collision is currently closed pending examination by Garda forensic collision investigators and traffic diversions are in place.

Gardaí in Galway are appealing for witnesses to come forward and to those with camera footage (including dash-cam) to make it available to them.

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

The Frames added to GIAF line-up as Kaiser Chiefs pull out

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June 8, 2022

galway daily news the frames giaf big top 2022

The Frames will make a rare appearance in Galway this summer to play the Big Top at Galway International Arts Festival.

The addition to the line-up was announced today after the Kaiser Chiefs pulled out of the festival due to personal circumstances.

The band apologised to fans, saying that the decision to pull out was due to circumstances beyond their control.

The date has been rescheduled to 27 July 2023 and all existing Kaiser Chiefs tickets are valid for the Big Top show next summer.

The Frames’ 30th anniversary gig was rescheduled to this month due to the pandemic, with the band playing to 15,000 fans in Dublin.

The last time they played at the Galway International Arts Festival was in 2002 and the July show is likely to be their only Irish gig for the foreseeable future.

Tickets for the show on July 23 will go on sale this at 10am this Friday, 10 June from giaf.ie

New public toilets installed at Salthill Beach

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June 8, 2022

Galway Daily news met eireann high temperature warning

New public toilet facilities have opened on Salthill Beach in Galway City, which was recently awarded the Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards.

The Automatic Public Convenience (APC) at Palmer’s Rock, Salthill consists of two unisex toilets, one of which is accessible.

Entrance to the facility costs 20c to use, and can be paid using cash, or with debit/credit cards via contactless payment.

The world recognised Blue Flag awards promote sound environmental management of beaches, marinas and eco-tourism boats globally.

The Green Coast Award recognises beaches for their clean environment, excellent water quality and natural beauty that attracts visitors.

Salthill Beach is one of just five in the country which was awarded both the Blue Flag and Green Coast awards this year, with one of the others being Silverstrand Beach, also in Salthill.

In total, eight Galway beaches received the Blue Flag this year, with eight also getting the Green Coast award.

The City Council also provides public toilets at Ladies Beach, Blackrock, Eyre Square and Millennium Park.

Water mains replacement to affect Kingston traffic

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June 8, 2022

Galway Daily news Water outages in Athenry on Tuesday

Some traffic disruption is expected on the west side of Galway City in the coming weeks due to Irish Water infrastructure works.

Irish Water is replacing approximately 2km of old and damaged water mains on the Kingstone Road this summer.

The replacement with modern new pipes is meant to cut down on frequent leaks in the area.

Gerry O’Donnell of Irish Water said “The works will start at Knocknacarra Cross and will progress towards Threadneedle Road over the coming weeks.”

“Irish Water acknowledges the ongoing co-operation and patience of local residents and businesses in Galway City while we continue to deliver these vital water network improvement works to improve the water supply.”

In order to minimise traffic disruption, night time works will take place from Tuesday, June 7 until Sunday, June 12, with temporary traffic lights in place.

Day time works will commence from Monday July 13, and temporary traffic lights will be manned until 9.30am each day, and again after 4.30pm.

Timed temporary traffic lights will be in operation from 9.30am – 4.30pm daily. Local and emergency traffic will always be maintained.

The works will also involve laying new water service connections from the public water main in the road to the front of the customers’ property boundaries and connecting it to the customer’s water supply.

These works may also involve temporary water outages, which Irish Water has said they will attempt to give a minimum of 48 hours notice for.

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

Galway Medtech companies chosen for EU accelerator funding

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June 8, 2022

Galway Daily business Galway Medtech companies chosen for EU accelerator funding

Two Galway medtech companies have been chosen from over a thousand start-ups and SMEs for European Innovation Council funding.

Galway based InVera Medcial and Loci Orthopaedics are among 74 companies chosen for the first round of the 2022 EIC Accelerator programme.

They will receive a combined total of €382 million in funding, through a mix of grants and investments of up to €17.5 million each.

InVera Medical, formerly known as Venari Medical, 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.

Venous disease affects one in four people and ranks as the 4th most common chronic disease in the world.

Loci Orthopaedics, which calls NUI Galway’s Business Innovation Centre home, is a spin out company from the university’s BioInnovate programme.

Their product, the InDx implant, is designed to combat thumb arthritis by mimicking the natural movements of the thumb joint.

Mariya Gabriel, EU Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth said, “The new wave of innovation is currently led by deep tech start-ups that target societal challenges.”

“I am happy to see so many of them applying to the EIC, in particular from countries that are catching up in their levels of research and innovation performance.”

“Thanks to the European Innovation Council, they will get the support they need to accelerate their growth and lead on the next wave of deep tech.”

In most cases, the companies will receive the grant financing within the next two to three months, while the finalisation of the equity investment is expected during the autumn.

There were over 1,000 applications for the first cut-off of the EIC Accelerator, which closed in March.

Of these, 266 were interviewed by juries of experienced investors and entrepreneurs, before the winning 74 from across the continent were chosen.

There were a total of four Irish applicants chosen for funding in the first round, with the other two being the Mayo based Ovagen Group, and Dublin’s Selio Medical

Over 7,200 Galway students starting exams today

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June 8, 2022

Galway daily news Almost 3,500 Galway students receiving Leaving Cert results

More than 7,200 students in Galway have commenced their Junior and Leaving Cert exams this morning.

There are some 3,463 students in Galway sitting the regular Leaving Cert this year, with a further 103 taking the Leaving Cert Applied.

A few years below them, another 3,709 young people have begun their Junior Cert exams in Galway today.

Minister for Education Norma Foley offered her best wishes to all the students taking their exams this year.

“You have worked tirelessly and diligently, even through the unique challenges of the last two years.”

“That perseverance has brought you here, the hard work is done and will stand to you in the coming days and weeks.”

This is the first year back to fully externally delivered exams since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Mr Pat Burke, Chairperson of the State Examinations Commission, said “The state examinations are a significant step in their
educational journey for candidates, their families and schools.”

“The adjustments made to the examinations this year have been designed to support students in their preparations.”

“However, the support of families and the wider community for candidates sitting examinations is so important especially in light of the disruption to learning created by the pandemic.”

Minister Foley also reminded students if the June 30 deferred exams available for students who contract COVID.

Tesco cleared for Joyce’s takeover by regulator

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June 8, 2022

Galway Daily business Tesco announce take over of Joyce's supermarkets

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has cleared the way for Tesco to take over Joyce’s Supermarkets in Galway.

Approval was given by the CCPC in an announcement this morning, subject to a number of legally binding conditions.

Tesco and Joyce’s announced the takeover of the Galway based supermarket chain last November.

The matter was subsequently referred to the CCPC the following month, and an investigation began in April of this year.

This investigation was required to establish if the proposed transaction could lead to a substantial lessening of competition.

The only area of potential concern regarding competition for consumers was found in Oranmore.

There is already a Tesco in Oranmore, one of three supermarkets in the town along with Joyce’s and Lidl.

Tesco will be required to sell the Oranmore Joyce’s branch to a suitable purchaser, after committing to divesting from it in order to address the CCPC’s concerns.

Tesco has also committed not to carry out any act which may have a significant adverse impact on the supermarket before its sale, and not attempt to acquire the business back for a period of time following its sale.

To ensure compliance with these commitments, an independent monitoring trustee will be appointed.

Refurbishment plans for derelict 19th century Clifden Grain Store

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June 8, 2022

Galway Daily news Restoration plans for derelict 19th century Clifden Grain Store

Plans have been submitted to the county council for the restoration and refurbishment of the derelict 19th century Grain Store in Clifden.

Planning permission is being sought by a Paddy Foyle to refurbish and redevelop the old warehouse building, which is in a dire state, with no roof and much other damage.

When refurbished, the Grain Store building would contain a commercial unit on the ground floor, and three one bedroom apartments above.

It’s proposed that each of the apartments would have a glazed balcony, in order to provide private amenity space, while minimising the visual impact it would have on the historic building.

The works would also involve building an extension to the rear of the protected structure, and other site works.

A cover letter for the application states that the derelict building is in a very prominent location along Clifden Quay.

This project “provides an opportunity to further develop the Quay for the use of both local residents of the town and for tourist,” it says.

Other planning documents state that the existing street facing side of the building will be retained in its entirety, with only minimal works on the façade.

The new walls being built are inside the now hollowed out shell of the building, and the extension to the rear will not be visible from the street.

Galway County Council is due to make a decision on this planning application by July 6 of this year.

Over 400 Ukrainian pupils now enrolled in Galway schools

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June 7, 2022

galway daily news University of Galway signs partnership with government of Ukraine

More than 400 Ukrainian children are now enrolled in schools across Galway.

Figures from the Department of Education show that there were 295 Ukrainian pupils in Galway primary schools as of June 3.

A further 108 Ukrainian children were also enrolled in secondary level schools in Galway by last Friday.

Galway’s schools account for 5.9 percent of the 6,797 pupils in total who are enrolled in schools across Ireland.

The Education and Training Boards are continuing to operate Regional Education and Language Teams (REALT) to assist with their transition.

The primary goal of REALT is to assist families arriving in the country with securing school places for their children.

REALT are also supporting schools in the area to meet the needs of these children as they emerge, advising the Department of Education on what services and new capacity is needed.

Information for parents in Ukrainian and Russian on accessing school places is available on gov.ie/Ukraine.

Auto Parts store named winner of 2022 Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh

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June 7, 2022

Galway Daily news Auto Parts store named winner of 2022 Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh

KD Autoparts in Galway City has been named as the overall winner of the 2022 Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh.

Minister of State for the Gaeltacht Jack Chambers announced the winners of the 20th anniversary Gradam at a special awards ceremony at the g Hotel.

The awards are organised by Gaillimh le Gaeilge, in partnership with the Galway Advertiser, and supported by TG4 and Galway Chamber to promote the use of Irish in businesses.

KD Autoparts supply thousands of parts and accessories, from air filters to windscreen wiper blades, for all your automotive needs.

All their staff are trained experts and are happy to advise on any auto requirements and they also offer a complete Seirbhís trí Ghaeilge.

Maureen Duggan of KD AUTOPARTS, Gaillimh was thrilled on receiving the news and said that they were proud to support Galway’s status as a bilingual city.

“We use the Irish language in signage, marketing, website, stationery, service in Irish and also we have Irish on our vans which travel all around the county.”

“Our drivers deliver to Connemara every day, sometimes twice a day, the customers are thrilled to speak with the driver and do business trí Ghaeilge.”

“Winning Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh this year is an honour and something we as a team are so proud of as it is a recognition of our dedication to continue to do business bilingually and promote the Irish language in Galway and beyond.”

Before announcing the winners on the night, the Mayor of the city of Galway, Cllr. Collette Connolly presented all of the Gearrliosta with their certifications, acknowledging their achievement of becoming Gradam finalists.

Along with scooping the overall award on the night KD Autoparts were also named the winners of the Retail category, sponsored by Galway Bay FM.

The other proud Gradam award winners on the night were:

Plámás – Winner of the ‘Tourism & Hospitality’ Category, sponsored by Fáilte Ireland.

Tribes Press – Winner of the Services Category, sponsored by Computer Troubleshooters.

Irish Socksciety – Winner of the ‘Online Business’ category sponsored by the Galway Technology Centre.

Galway Hospice Foundation – Winner of the ‘Non-Profit & Other Companies’ Category sponsored by Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, OÉ Gaillimh.

The Gradam category winners all received a business package to the value of €2,000 from their respective category sponsor as well as a replica of Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh.

KD Autoparts will receive an advertising package from the main media sponsor of the Gradam, the Galway Advertiser. They will also receive a publicity package with TG4 and one year’s membership of Galway Chamber and Gaillimh le Gaeilge.

Minister of State Chambers also announced the appointment of Máire Uí Dhufaigh as the new Language Planning Officer for Galway City at the awards.

€3,000 prize for independent filmmakers at 2022 Film Fleadh

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June 7, 2022

Galway Daily arts Galway film fleadh marketplace award

Independent filmmakers will be competing for a €3,000 prize at this year’s Galway Film Fleadh Marketplace next month.

The Film Fleadh Marketplace brings together filmmakers with projects in development, and industry representatives such as financiers, distributors, sales agents, broadcasters, film funds and major producers.

Bankside Films, a London based sales and finances company for independent films, has partnered with the Fleadh on an award for the best project at the marketplace.

The Marketplace in the 2022 Film Fleadh will take place over two days on July 8 & 9, with the best project taking home a €3,000 prize.

Stephen Kelliher, Director at Bankside Films, says: “We are delighted to be supporting the Marketplace Project Award at the Galway Film Fair.”

“We have seen real and quantifiable results from many years of attending the Film Fair and we hope that this award will be instrumental in helping others bring their creative visions to the big screen.”

Screen International described the marketplace as a “key networking event”, which has helped make the festival an international co-production hub.

Galway Film Fleadh is returning to the big screen in Galway this Summer, after moving almost completely online for the past two years.

Alongside the Marketplace many other industry events take place at the festival, including conferences, seminars, masterclasses, debates, workshops and much more.

And of course, there will be screenings of many films of all genres, drama and documentary, short and feature length, over the six day festival from July 5 – 10.

Public transport around college towns needed in student accommodation crisis

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June 7, 2022

Galway Daily news Eamon Ó Cuív: Cocaine usage a "national scourge" across society

Improved public transport around college towns would help in solving the student accommodation crisis, Éamon Ó Cuív has said.

Speaking in the Dáil, the Galway West TD said that Minister Eamon Ryan could “with the stroke of a pen”, act to improve “radial services” around university and college towns.

He gave the example that, until two years ago, no bus leaving Galway City went any further than Knocknacarra after 6pm.

“Unless student life has changed totally from the time I was in college, students did not want to go home every night at 6pm. They are entitled to a social life.”

He added that the addition of three evening and night services running up to 11pm have been “well patronised” since their introduction.

“That makes it possible for students not to have to get accommodation in the city. Students can bunk-up the odd night they want to stay overnight but they do not need five-nights-a-week accommodation.”

This is simply not possible if buses or other public transport services are not available, Éamon Ó Cuív said.

“I bet if there was a survey of all the third level towns around the country, you would find a very bad, patchy pattern of public bus services out of those towns, particularly in the late evening.”

Deputy Ó Cuív said that this would be a “quick win”, with it being essential to maintain the 50% reduction in fares for people under 24.

Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris said “As I travel around the country, it comes up that better public transport in rural areas could lessen the need for student accommodation”.

“In that there are students who would not necessarily move out of their homes if they had public transport.”

He said that he would take the matter up with Transport Minister Eamon Ryan.

Podcast details challenges of making Mirror Pavilion during COVID

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June 7, 2022

galway daily arts Podcast details the challenges of making the Mirror Pavilion during COVID — John Gerrard's Mirror Pavilion, Leaf Work (Derrigimlagh) 2020 pictured in situ on Derrigimlagh Bog as part of Galway International Arts Festival 2021. Commissioned by Galway International Arts Festival for Galway 2020, European Capital of Culture. Photo Ros Kavanagh

Galway International Arts Festival has released a podcast on the making of the captivating Mirror Pavilion during the COVID pandemic.

The Mirror Pavilion, an installation by John Gerard, provided a dazzling spectacle for audiences in Galway City and Connemara over the past two years.

The striking cube, measuring seven metres on each side, had three sides and the top clad with highly reflective mirror panels.

The fourth side was a high-resolution LED wall that allowed for the two part displays, Corn Work and Leaf Work to be played for audiences.

The artwork, which is powered by sustainable energy sources, is a response to the escalating climate crisis.

Mirror Pavilion, Corn Work, wowed an audience of over 120,000 when it was presented over three weeks on Claddagh Quay in Galway City in 2020.

John Gerrard at the Claddagh, where Mirror Pavilion, Corn Work was displayed. Photo: Ros Kavanagh

Its follow up Mirror Pavilion, Leaf Work equally captivated audiences in Derrigimlagh Bog in Connemara as part of Galway International Arts Festival 2021.

After it’s long stay in Galway, the installation went on the road, to feature at the prestigious Biennale of Sydney for three months this year.

This podcast by Galway International Arts Festival, and NUI Galway, documents the making and staging of the installation, against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It offers an insight into how an arts organisation was affected by the global pandemic, and how it responded to each of the challenges in an effort to present an artwork of scale.

It charts the delays and obstacles the team faced as the pandemic spread across the globe.

This included the challenge of getting the bespoke, seven metre by seven metre LED screen manufactured and transported from China in January 2020, as the Government there reported treating dozens of cases of an unknown virus emanating from Wuhan.

But also here at home, the project was affected by shut downs and delays, before finally getting to build and present Mirror Pavilion along Middle Quay for the reimagined festival in 2020.

The podcast was created by award-winning producer Andy Gaffney, creator and producer of the hit podcast, Promenade, which gained national and international attention when it was launched in early November.

It is available online on all major podcast platforms, and is also housed at NUI Galway’s library as part of GIAF’s Education Partnership with the university.

Listen to the podcast episode here: Podbean | Apple | Spotify

UHG is the second most overcrowded hospital today

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June 7, 2022

Galway Daily news 67 people on trolleys at UHG

University Hospital Galway is the second most overcrowded in the country today, with 37 patients going without a bed.

Daily figures from the Irish nurses and Midwives Organisation show that there are 35 people on trolleys at the Emergency Department in UHG today.

The INMO data also shows a further two patients without a bed in the hospital’s wards.

At Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe there are a further six patients admitted who are without a bed.

Four people at Portiuncula are on trolleys in the ED, and another two are in the wards.

Nationwide there are 306 people on trolleys in Irish hospitals today, with the worst overcrowding at UH Limerick, where 68 are without a bed.

Council approves open plan design for Ceannt Station revamp

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June 7, 2022